Results and match reports are being compiled but suffice to say, what a season opener! The 8 clubs present in the top flight division of National League competition were enjoying a great day in the summer sunshine until the weather exploded late in the afternoon. It started gently enough but there came a point just after the mens 3Km athletes finished their race before everyone dived under cover to avoid the hailstones, torrential rain, thunder and lightning! With the back straight totally flooded and the lightning continuing to threaten all, the meeting manager with the various team managers agreement, decided to halt the match to preserve life and limb! Team Manager Tony Bush’s report follows below:
“Harrow’s National Athletic League team made a stunning start to the season by winning the opening fixture by 93 points at Windsor, to top the Premiership league table. The women’s team won by 35 points, with seven A string victories. Joy Eze won the 200 metres on debut with a superb PB of 23.61. Similarly, Hilary Gode (100: 11.73) and Poppy Malik (400: 55.01) were debut winners. Adelaide Omitowoju set a new best of 12.68 to take the triple jump, while there were also victories for Suzie Monk (1500), Bryony Bovell (HJ, on debut) and Meg Bailey, tied for first when the PV was cancelled due to torrential rain. There were also five B string wins for Rebecca Andrei (400, on debut), Robyn McKee (1500, on debut), Simona Simeonova (LJ), Amelia Gray (TJ) and Lucy O’Dell (javelin PB).
The men’s team won by 30 points, with 23 podium positions from 15 completed events. Andrew Milligan (PB on debut) and Jonathan Collier (SB) dominated the 3000 metres during the worst of the storm. to claim a double win. Divine Duruaku shared victory on debut, in the uncompleted high jump. There were also B string wins for Ross Connor (S/C), Tayo Andrews (HJ), and James Lelliott (LJ).
Harrow now tops the League table from defending champions Thames Valley, who won the other Premiership fixture. These two teams clash in the next NAL fixture on Saturday 15 July, in Nottingham”.
The photos are free to download but if reused on social media please give a credit to Mike Lepps.
