EIGHT men linked up with the senior women to tackle the 4th round of the Southern Athletics League.
All of them performed heroically covering all but one of the 38 events and in most cases producing a great performance.
Ben Gibbs tackled no less than 10 events which included 6 wins and 2 pbs. His 12.16 triple jump and the sprint double were the highlights of his memorable afternoon.
Nick Houghton’s 5 events, in the endurance section, included 3 wins among them victory in the 400m hurdles B string.
Michael Shortall had his usual busy afternoons competition which included his customary double win in the hurdles and a rare outing in the 400m where he was 3rd in the B event.
Douane Jibonuh’s afternoon included a win and pb in the shot and a season’s best in the javelin. What an asset this 6th former has proved this season.
The experienced and multi talented Dan George covered the throws and jumps. In the jumps he was 2nd three times and had two wins in the B string throws.
Backing Nick Houghton in the endurance events was Dennis Cross who won the B 800m and 3k.
Sprinter Jack Farmer yet again proved he is a great team man. On Saturday he took on the 1500m B race and gained 3 points for his effort.
Finally, making his debut was Lewis Unwin who took 3rd place in the B string javelin. Coached by Les Bell, Lewis he has made great strides in his events having suffered a medical condition which caused paralysis on the left side of his body.
Final match score was Thurrock 265, Watford 232, Vale of Aylesbury 210, Colchester 98, Orion 43.
Thurrock’s super vet Jon Metcalf finished 4th in the 800m in the National Inter Area Competition on Sunday. The event at Solihull attracts the top veterans from all over Britain. 53 year old Jon was delighted with his 2m16s timing and high placing.
