Stretford Grand Prix.29 July

Five personal bests and two club records were set at the Stretford Open meeting. Dave Twigg (4.17.59) in the 1500 metres and Diane Appleton (2.31.63) in the 800 metres set new under 17 and senior women's age groups. Steve Mayers was only 0.68 secs away from hitting the 2 minute barrier while Tom Griffiths & Greg Williams recorded 4.35.26 and 4.38.37 for pb's in the 1500 metres. Barry Graney set a season's best for the 3000 metres while Jon Calder bounced back with 23.76 for the 200 metres. Ben Fisher showed how far he has come this year by throwing the javelin over 50 metres (50.96) and winning the high jump with 1.65. Jodie Nelson returned to competition with 2.37.98 over two laps. All bar Barry, who is in Kirkby Stephen this weekend, will be representing the club in the final league matches at Preston (men) and Stretford (women).

Open Meeting : Burnley 27 July .

St Helens-Sutton's own three musketeers invaded Burnley and came away with the spoils of victory. Laura Crook set season's bests in all three of her winning events, putting the shot 6.40metres and recording 11.2 (75m) and 1.53.1 (600m). Zoe Woodward was second in the 600 (1.57.4), fourth in the 75 metres (11.7) but leapt 3.77 metres to win the long jump. Katie Jolley won her first medal of the year taking third in the long jump (3.29m) as well as recording 2.17.3 (600m -6th) and 12.9 (75m - 10th). D'Artangant, in the form of Sean Woodward, was third in the 75 metres (13.7), 4th in the 600 (2.21.5) and threw the cricket ball 19.40m. We've already had enquiries from the England cricket selectors about his availability for Australia!!

Warrington Open Meeting 26 July 2003

There were medals a-plenty and cour more club records at Warrington's Victoria Park. Anna Sheffield riased the under 17 shot putt record winning with 9.02m and came second in the discus (22.12). Mike Ehlen added another 2 cms to the under 13 High Jump record of 1.38m and took another second place in the long jump with 4.05m as well as recording 2.45.5 in the 800 metres. Mike Atkinson claimed new under 13 records in the discus (18,23) and javelin(23.08) as well as finishing second in the shot.

Lucy Mitchell rounded off her season with third places in the 100 metres (13.8) and long jump (4.51m). Richard Atherton won the 100 (11.6), 200(23.8) and 400(52.4), the latter agonisingly close to Wayne Joyce's long standing 52.2. Vicky Johnson was desperately unlucky to finish with three fourth places in the shot putt (9.04m), long jump (3.89m) and discus(21.59m). Ben Fisher was again over 50 metres in winning the javelin (53.30) and third in the high jump (1.65m).

In the younger age groups Laura Crook recorded impressive times in the 75m (11.4) and 150m(22.1) while Zoe Woodward recorded 23.7 for the latter event and won both the long jump (3.51) and 600 metres (1.55.2). James Lowrie shot putted 5.80 metres.

There was plenty of support from coaches Dave Morley, Joe Ehlen and Frank Atkinson. There was also parental support from Mr Atherton, Mr Crook, Mr Woodward, Mr Atherton, Mr and Mrs Sheffield, Mr & Mrs Johnson and several others. Thanks to the supporters and many congratulations to the athletes some of whom will be travelling to Burnley, all of whom will be eligible to compete in the Cheshire League at Stretford on Sunday 10 August.

National Young Athletes League: Crewe 20 July 2003.

Another four club records fell as St Helens-Sutton A C won its third successive match to clinch promotion to division one in 2004. Richard Atherton rewrote his recently achieved 200 metres best and also replaced the previous 100 metres record. Anna Sheffield set a new under 17 discus record and the 4 x 400 metres under 17 team of Tom Griffiths, Dave Twigg, Jake Davidson, who selflessly gave up the discus, to run combined with Richard to shave 00.07 seconds of the time set at Crewe in the last match.

The four under 17 women never finished lower than fourth in the eight club match, Lucy Mitchell bowing out of the league with three wins, Anna narrowly failing to add another shot putt record and Nicola Quinn's best coming in the javelin. Wins in the high jump and hurdles for Caroline Morley were topped off with a personal best in the 200 metres

The under 17 men also impressed, Dave Twigg setting a personal best in the 800 metres, Jon Appleton scoring two wins and a second with Jake Davidson finishing second in the jumps.

Shauna Kerr made her debut for the club with second in the hurdles and long jump, Kellie Rigby won her sprint and was second in the long jump. Rebecca Keegan and Rachel Hutchinson were close to maximum points in the shot putt, Rachel adding a win in the hurdles. Hannah Green was second in the 150 metres, Yasmin Ralph was again our leading under high jumper while while Lorna Forrester, Megan Twigg, debutant Vicky Tickle and Sara McLoughlin contested the distance races before Sara, Rachel, Kelly and Hannah combined to win the relay in a season' best time.

The under 15 Boys were reduced to two because of absences but Dave Forrester won the 1500 metres and set a personal best in the 800 metres while Tom Rigby won his s 1500 metres. There was a debut for Josh Swann in the 400 metres. Dave and Tom joined with Rochelle Lee and Sammi Paxton to claim a sensational second in the relay while the lads had Laura Savage and Mellissa McLoughlin to thank for an equally superb performances as a non counting team in the 4 x400.

The under 15 Girls' throwers were magnificent, Laua Savage, Vicky Johnson, Puneet Gulati, Stephanie Currie claiming five firsts and a second in the throws, Vicky coming to within ten centimetres of breaking her own shot putt record. Jessica Cretu continued her unbeatn run in the 200 metres and recorded 13.0 for the hurdles. The realy team of Charlotte Walkden, Stephanie Roughley, Kirsty Lewis and Stephanie Currie were a superb thrid in a tight finish. Chloe Wilson won her 1500 metres while Sammy Paxton's was second in the high jump with a personal best 1.41m. Rochelle Lee was third in the long jump before running a brillaint leg in the non counting relay.

The under 13 Boys were not at full strength but Tom Bromhead and Mike Atkinson were second and first in the shot putt, Craig Twigg and Anthony Marsh both placed second in the sprints, Mike Ehlen competed in three events and Ben Clough, just back off holiday, in two before Ben anchored the relay into third place.

Many thanks to Dave Morley and Roseanne Hutchinson who acted as team managers, John Irwin, Joe Ehlen and Frank Atkinson who acted as field event officials, Duncan Twigg who volunteered to act as our track judge and has volunteered for future meetings to help out (although this will be the first he knows about it). Dennis Fulton who did some timekeeper while recording results along with Hazel Morley, Margaret Davenport, Mrs Forrester and Phil Thomas in the case of the flying gazeebo! mas in what has become the case of the flying gazeebo!!!!

Thanks to Mr & Mrs Green and Mr Atherton all of whom now know why Phil Thomas failed geography at school. To Paul Davenport for support for all jumpers and to those parents (too numerous to mention) who provided both transport and support for the athletes and the team. Our progress in the last year has been outstanding and, not only can we look forward to competing in a higher division next year, we are entering the National Junior League so that our under 17's who will be too old for the National Young Athletes League will have another competition in which they can test and improve their skills. Results:

John Orrell Mile:17 July

Julia Eccleston became the first female winner of the John Orrell Mile on a cool Thursday evening at Sutton High. Julia made the most of the handcap provided by Ian White to finish ahead of Stan Erlam who passed Janet Holmes less than twenty yards from the finish for second place with John Irwin fourth. The bulk of the field came through together, Dave Twigg and Barry Cunliffe battling it out for fastest lap which went to Dave by a fraction in 4 minutes.41seconds. Joe Ehlen was only one lap short of a good race and amongst those who took part were Greg Williams, Tony Raffle, Ian White, Danny McLoughlin, Diane Appleton, Barry Graney, Tony Smith, Tom Griffiths, Jon Appleton, Mike Burke, Luke Burke, Steve Mayers and Andy O'Connor. The Cup was awarded in memory of John Orrell who died in a climbing accident in the early 1950's.

Thanks to Ray Vose who provided the times and Phil Thomas who tried to keep the lap scores.

Northern Cup Competition, Wigan 13 July

Eight club records fell as the men's team came within two points of clinching a place in the final of Plate competition and the women finished in the top eight in their first foray into the Cup for some time. Ben Fisher, Anna Sheffield and Natalie Mullinuex all rewrote the records they set a week ago. Ben threw the javelin a massive 54.22 to claim the senior and junior records, Anna's shot putt went out 8.74 and Natalie added four metres to her previous best with 29.93 in the discus.

Ben also equalled the junior men's high jump record of 1.70, Dave Twigg removed Phil Lewis's name from the record books with 4.18.1 for an Under 17 record and the 4 x 400 metres team broke the club under 17 record when Emma McClatchey, Lizzie McNally, Caroline Morley and Layla Tapley recorded 4.35.8, almost ten seconds quicker than the record set earlier in the season at Macclesfield.

Lizzie was magnificent on her return to competition, running a gutsy 800 as well as the relay. Emma McClatchey set a personal best in the 400 metres and Anna Sheffield lapped up points in the 100m and long jump in her usual dedicated manner. Cecilia Fitzsimons so disheartened the Bury runner in the 3000 metres that the Manchester lass dropped out. Caroline Morley was partially rested owing to the very heavy schedule she put in this week but was third equal in the high jump while Julia Hayes was close to 20 metres in the hammer. Nicola Quinn came in support and ran the first leg of the 4x100 metres relay.

Ray Vose, as usual, was a tower of strength competing in the hammer, shot and discus. Steve Mayers won the 800 metres with ease, ith ease while the impressive Richard Atherton won the 200 metres and contributed to a 4x 100 team which included Alan Geraghty, Adam Lange and jumps specialist Jake Davidson who is close to rewriting the record books in his favourite events. Peter Code was second in the pole vault while Andy O'Connor surprised a few with victory in the 5000 metres. Steve Robertson was superb, tackling the high and long hurdles well and stepping into the 400 metres as a last minute substitute. Another combative youngster, Greg Williams, was third in the steeplechase.

John Irwin and Denis Fulton acted as our field events officials, Frank Vose was timekeeper, Dave Morley served out on the track judging while Phil Thomas helped with results/ Lucy Mitchell made her debut as team manager and obviously has a talent for it. Louise Hayes provided the entertainment while those in support included the O'Connor family, Mr Atherton, Mr & Mrs Sheffield, Mr Williams, Mr & Mrs Fisher and Mr Davidson. Results:

Bits & Bobs

Individual club members have been competing in road races her and there recently, including Steve Robertson, who was 179th in the Penny Lane Striders' 10k in 46.10 on 29 June and Julia Eccleston who ran in the Lymm 5 the day before in 24.33 and added the High Hall race in 39.44 on 9 July where she finished 133rd, 17th lady..

Meanwhile the Stellas, who include Jim Powell, Steve Powell and Linda Green were 30th in the Friends and Family division of the Knowsley Corporate Cup on July 6th, Jim recording 25.26 and others 31.20, the same time as Michelle Holmes who was in the Jaguar Leapers' team. We also understand Sandra Cannon took part but we haven't been able to confirm her time.

Northern Women's League: Connahs Quay 6 July 2003

Anna Sheffield led the way, grabbing two club records as the Ladies' team set five new marks in finishing a superb fifth in the third of four matches in the Northern Women's League. Anna set new under 17 and senior discus records with an 8.41 shot putt. Natalie Mullineux beat the discus record she set exactly a year ago at Macclesfield, Julia Hayes threw the hammer over 20 metres for the first time and Diane Appleton broke Pam Fitzsimons's 800 metres record.

It was an heroic afternoon settled only on the last event when Natalie Mullineux and Nicola Quinn scored sufficient points to ensure we beat LPS in the tightest of finishes. Lucy Mitchell bravely completed the 100 metres despite suffering injury after 30 metres, Emma McCatchley ran the 200 metres after a nose bleed caused by a stray knee in the high jump, Chris Dempsey stepped in the breach in the 400 metres before recording her best 1500 metres of the season.

Louise Casey ran pluckily in the middle distance events with Zoe Strong and Catherine Lambert setting personal bests in their 3000 metres debuts. Elizabeth Preston finished second in the triple jump and competed in the relay. Caroline Morley was third in the 200 metres and ran 63.6 in the relay. Janet Holmes was third in the hammer before spending an afternoon timekeeping alongside Pam Appleton.

Despite the setbacks during the afternoon we finished fifth and are only two points off second place. A good turn out is essential for the final match at Stretford on Sunday 3 August.

Many thanks to our other officials, John Irwin, Sue Clague, Dennis Fulton, George Mullineux and Phil Thomas. Parents Mr & Mrs Sheffield, Chris Preston, supporters Frank, John Appleton, Ali Young, Paul Davenport and team manager Dave Morley, plus Louise Hayes, who's considering having a serious word about the pole vault. Results:

Northern Men's League 5 July 2003

A combination of youth and experience brought the club into contention for promotion but cruel luck took it away as we consolidated our position in division three (west) by finishing third at Wavertree.

Youth was in record breaking form, Richard Atherton taking a second of the previous under 17 record for 200 metres and Ben Fisher breaking the senior and junior javelin records with his first throw over 50 metres. Dave Twigg performed admirably in the 800 and 1500 metres running 55.8 in the 4 x 400 metres.Greg Williams lowered his own junior steeplechase record by fourteen seconds, sharing the burden of the event, and the 400 metres hurdles, with Steve Robertson.

Experience played its part too. Andy O'Connor taking second place in the 5000 metres, Ray Vose similarly placed in the 1500 metres and Wayne Joyce running three cracking races, including two superb opening stages of the relays.

Ali Young and Adam Lang performed in the sprints, Ali unluckily pulling up with cramp while leading the 200 metres. Barry Cunliffe, disappointed with his 800 metres race, ran a superb 4 x 400 in 55.1. Alan Geraghty made a welcome return in the hammer, long jump and relays, running himself to a standstill in the 4 x 400 to further the club's cause.

Jake Davidson continues to impress under the watchful eye of coach Paul Davenport and will be aiming for 13 metres in the triple jump in 2004. Alan Oliver improved still further to win the pole vault, finished second in the B javelin and was over eight metres in the shot putt.

Many thanks to officials Frank Vose (timekeeper), Dave Morley (track), Phil Thomas (field), Roger McCall (field) and Paul Davenport (field) plus supporters Danny McLoughlin, Mr & Mrs Fisher, Mr Atherton and Zoe Strong. Results:

Forest Park Ladies' 5, 2nd July

Fourteen ladies turned out in the Forest Park 5 in excellent conditions at Warrington. Zoe Strong, making her debut, finished an excellent eleventh, followed by Cecilia Fitzsimons who missed last year's race with illness. Julia Eccleston virtually clinched the road race title in 35th place with the duo of Claire Newing and Toni Garnett looking resplendent in their new club vests in 56th and 57th spot out of 200 runners. Beverley Shuker narrowly failed to catch Dorothy Fairhurst in a sprint finish, both followed eight seconds later by Nicola Bescoby. Janet Eccleston had a superb run to finish ahead of a disappointed, but never disappointing, Michelle Holmes with Karen Wright, Janet McCormack, Jeanne Sanderson and Jeannete Sanderson and Sue Howarth coming home in pairs. Results: