BAL Cup –Blackpool

 

Another stunning performance from the BWFAC senior athletes, in this the new 10 in 100 format.

Competing against Trafford, Bolton and Bingley, the senior teams both finished a close second to Trafford who are a BAL Premier Division outfit.

This slightly different format consisted of 10 events to be completed in a little over an hour and a half, with 6 track, 4 field and 1 medley relay to round off the afternoon.

For the Men, the day started well with Darrel Constantine setting a new PB in the 110mH, a daunting event for an U/17 athlete. Whilst for the ladies, another new PB for Sarah Goff at 100mH, combining her task with that of Team Manager for the day. In the field, also at U/17, James Davies equalled his PB in the Long jump beaten only by the Trafford athlete, as his U/17 teammate, Katie Holder was taking second spot in the Pole Vault for the ladies before tackling the Hammer.

 

Individual wins for Jono Prowse (1500), Matt Wright (PV) and Ted Romney (200) with second places for Brent Starkie (400) Laurence Harwood (Hammer) and Alex Bale with a new PB of 11.00 in the 100m. Completing a fine team effort was Bob Wyper in the Javelin, not his main event, Stuart Robinson in the 3k Steeplechase and Simon Wells who supported Ted, Alex & Brent to a fine 2nd spot behind Trafford in the medley relay (2x200m, 2x400m).

 

For the Ladies, a similar story of success and great team spirit. Building on Sarah’s success was Carolyn Robbins taking top spot in the 1500m, the sprint duo of Laura Davies and Lucy Mansfield, both 1st in 100 & 200 respectively and also a win for Gemma Unsworth in the 3K before she also took up the Javelin for the second time this season to record valuable team points and set a new PB.

Elsewhere, a great new PB for Katy Wyper in the Long Jump finishing only just behind seasoned international Susan Moncrieff. Finally, together with Liz Hodgson who finished well in the 400m despite almost losing her shoe, Katy, Lucy and a great final leg from Leigh Newton in the medley relay meant that the ladies too finished a very close second to Trafford in the final rankings.

 

This fine result means that both Men and Ladies will now go to the Finals in Bedford later in the season.

 

Derek Newton