THE NINE man team battled hard to secure 3rd place in the 2nd round of the Southern Mens’ League Division 1 on Saturday at Gillingham, Kent.
The foundation of the team was an heroic nine event performance from 47 year old Mark Jenkins. The former County decathlon champion took on the heavy workload after some last minute withdrawals.
His best performance came with 2nd place in the B string 110m hurdles.
As always Michael Shortall worked hard all afternoon winning both hurdles events and performing well in the sprints and jumps.
The middle distance squad, absent for the first match, turned in some great performances. Scott Rice ran a superb personal best in the 5000m and also finished 2nd in the steeplechase. His partner in the 5k, David Johnson, also ran a pb. Dennis Cross and Alec Finch covered much of the rest of the middle distances with great distinction, Alec particularly putting in a crucial win in the B string steeplechase.
Jon Metcalf added his experience by scoring well in the 1500m and filling gaps in the relay teams.
Jack Farmer looks a much stronger athlete this season and scored well in all 3 sprint races. Dan George is limited by a nagging knee injury but still managed to win the high jump and perform well in all 4 throws.
Toni Noble and John Russell were the only two Thurrock representatives in the Great Baddow 10. Toni Noble was a very creditable 5th while John Russell ran well enough to secure a place in the first 50.
This weekend runners from all sections of the Club compete for medals in the Essex Championships.
