South Wales Masters League

South Wales Masters League Newport Harriers

South Wales Masters League Cardiff August 15th

This was to be the final athletics match held at Lechwith Stadium as it was due to be demolished, so it was fitting that athletes from the era it was built were to see it off. It was going to be a tough night for the Newport Vets as there were about 10 missing due to work, holiday and injuries, including Team Mascot Glyn Sutton.

There were only 6 athletes available, so we would be under pressure all night. Things started reasonably well on the field with the Discus, Steve got a PB and Dave made it onto the grass whilst Geoff showed us how we should really do it. Then we moved onto the Long Jump and we started to cook with gas, Malcolm and Keith scored well despite Keith picking up a hamstring injury, and Geoff now into a purple patch won the 50's. The vault started but was interrupted by the 60m races, we struggled a bit but covered all the races, Geoff again running well and Malcolm clocking a quick time in the B and Dave P surprised every one with a fair turn of pace for a 5K runner. Somehow, Keith finished the 60m and then cleared 2.70m in the vault but had to duck the 300m, leaving that to Steve and Darryn. The guys ran well but it was Geoff who shone yet again, whilst Dave P also ran a stormer.

The middle distance was going well, Malcolm and Darryn won their respective 800m races and Dave was well placed in the 50's when his hamstring went, leaving Geoff a the A string. This meant no over 50's 1500m entries, so it was up to the 35's to make it up. This they did with Malcolm edged out into 2nd and Darryn winning the B string. Back in the field the shot putt saw another win for Geoff whilst Steve and Darryn held up the other age group with a 4th and a 3rd.

Then to the relay, Swansea would be strong and we were carrying two injured, and Geoff was now all in. To add some interest to the occasion, the meeting orgainisers had arrange for one Colin Jackson to run in a guest relay and the ex-world record holder lined up in Lane 2 for the first leg (200m) of the medley relay against Keith, who was still carrying a dodgy hamstring. Jackson was well ahead at the first change but we were only a couple of meters behind Swansea. 2nd leg saw Swansea move up and the guest team overtaken by the junior guests. Then on 3rd leg (400m) Malcolm stormed through the field to put the race beyond Swansea and Steve extended the final 400m lead to a near indecent win behind the Juniors, but ahead of the other guests, Cardiff , Part Talbot, Swansea and Les Croupier, with Swansea B and Part Talbot B bringing up the rear.

On that note we closed the book on Lechwith Stadium and headed home as champions yet again.

Results

Men Under 50

Men Over 50

Match Results

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