June 2006 Results - St Helens Sutton Athletic Club

Gill Laithwaite was second lady in the City of Manchester 10k on 25 June, taking the first veteran's prize (I don't know why she's not a day over 30) in 36.38, only 2005 Northern Cross Country Champion, Pauline Powell (Blackburn) getting the better of her. Denis Wharton was fourth over 50 (Denis is definitely over 50) in 40.11 and Rob Marsh was recorded in 42.54 - 131st. Joanne Marsh and Karen Jarvis also ran but the wonderful chip system didn't work so they don't know where they finished.

No such problems the same day at the Penny Lane Striders 10k where Carl Parry (17 - 36.36), Ian Hayburn (19 -37.04), Christine Dickinson (15 - 48.12) and Lisa Scully (43 - 53.50) represented the club. Lisa was in action at the Capenhurst 10k race on 11 June recording 57.10 in 87th place, six places behind Tracy Gill (56.35).

On the second of the month Carl recorded 2.53.55 to finish twelfth in the Blackpool Marathon. The same day, Sarah Charnock returned to racing after a log period of injury, jogging round the Wincle Trout Fell race in 102nd place (52.18). Trevor Prescott has also been in action finishing 158th in the Lymm 5 in 30.15.

Ben Fisher's results from the Trafford Grand Prix show he competed three times in May recording 54.62, 54.55 and 54.89 for the javelin on the 2nd, 16th and 30th May and throwing in 1.75 and 1.80 high jumps at the later meetings. Liane Bibby went to the City of Manchester Open Meeting on 28 June recording 3.37(long jump), 13.38(javelin) and 15.06 (100), all but the first representing personal bests.

The same day Ian Hayburn was 12th in the Tony Barnes 10k (17.21) while the previous evening Andy McDonagh recorded 2.05.18 for the 800m at the Trafford Grand Prix Meeting.

Samantha Fraser, representing Cheshire, finished fourth in the ESAA Regional Schools Pentathlon at Carlisle setting several personal bests and five season's bests in the process. Sam recorded 12.5 (75H), 8.30(SP), 1.53 (High Jump), 4.67(long jump) and 2.52.7 (800) for a total of 2602 points, an increase of 100 points over her previous indoor best and a new outdoor club record by 500 points.

Sophie Rigby (HJ: 1.39) and Grant Oldham (LJ: 4.31) won Athletes of the Match awards as a magnificent performance by an under strength but committed team earned the club second place (309) behind a powerful Wrexham (358) side but crucially ahead of Hyndburn (274) and Blackley & North Manchester (168). With other matches going in our favour we consolidated our position in the top nine and remain ahead of Manx. First or second in the final match in July will be sufficient to maintain our position during a difficult season.

Those difficulties were made worse when we arrived at Wrexham to discover the long throws cage had been vandalised overnight which meant the valuable points earned by our hammer and discus throwers were unavailable and hasty adjustments had to made in the team declarations to cover other events. Our Under 17 boys, Ben Clough and Steve Clague responded by adding the 400m hurdles and javelin to their joint first places in the steeplechase, both lads less than three seconds off the club record over the hurdles.

The under 17 girls were out in greater numbers, Jessica Cretu winning the triple jump (8.86) at her debut and adding victory in the 300H (54.3) for good measure. Stephanie Leyland won all three of her events (100: 14.1: 200 29.1: long jump 4.31), Anna Howard provided great support in both sprints and the shot putt. Alvany Chirwa made her club debut as winner in the shot, while Jessica Drillingcourt picked up valuable points, finishing second in the javelin.

There was a 100/200m double for Luke Williams, Paul Nicholas pulled out a surprised by winning the high jump (1.45), John Ashcroft taking the B (1.30). Adam Fackey (4.41.6) and David Griffiths (5.01.9) both improved their personal bests by almost 15 seconds in the 1500m for a double first. Danny Hughes was his adaptable self throughout the afternoon making positive contributions wherever he could and taking second place in the shot (8.43).

Katie Waterworth bravely ran the two sprints with insect bitten feet, Amy Pilkington winning the 200m B (29.5) to maintain her recent run of form Jemma Shaw won the 1500m (5.15), Emma Mousdale taking second B while Heather Drillingcourt and Heather Leyland were second in the 800m before Heather D stepped in to do the shot and Heather L the hurdles with both girls earning second place. took Josie Barrow set a p.b.in the hurdles race while Danielle Coatsworth contested the shot.

For the under 13 Boys, Michael Causer arrived from his weekend retreat despite some "iffy" directions and with Grant Oldham won the shot. Luke James (1.38) and Danny Barr (1.25) had a clean sweep in the high jump, Luke and Grant scored maximum points in the long jump. Jamie White (5.01) and Joe Williams (5.47.2) set pb's in the 1500 in which they scored a double, Jamie Webb was second in the A 800, Andy Harvey running controlled race for first B, while Chris Sumner competed in the 200 and joined Michael, Andy and Grant for an emphatic 4x100m win (56.9).

In the under 13 Girls Danielle McGifford (13.2) and Natalie Bannister (13.6) dominated the hurdles, Natalie (1.30) joining Sophie for clean sweep and personal best in the high jump. Lucy Waterworth scored two seconds in the sprints (12.6 and 24.4). Tricia Spark (6.47) and Emily Dickinson (5.51) were winners in the shot putt, Louise Hayes (4.41.2) was second in the 1200 while Kathryn Wilson and Rachael Wilcock each claimed third spot in the 800m.

Phil Thomas was team manager, George Mullineux judged on track and field, despite having been up working all night, John Irwin led the field events officials team, including Andy Drillingcourt, Michael Hughes, Mike Shaw, Carl Bibby and Colin Sparks while Julia Hayes and Kevin Williams were amongst those who helped scored maximum points without which the final result would have been much closer. Mention too of our two timekeepers, Pam Appleton and Janet Holmes, who gave up competing at the Penny Lane 10k to help out the youngsters and were rewarded with a grandstand view of the finish.

We were supported by many parents ( and grandparents) for which we were grateful, particularly to those who appreciated the importance of the match and preferred to be excited by the prospect of participatory athletics, rather than being bored to tears by the overpaid and under-talented National soccer team. The Portugal-Holland game was well worth waiting for, sixteen yellow cards and four red. Full Results.

Thaddeus Anim-Somuah ran at the Independent Schools Association National Championships at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, on Wednesday the 21st June, winning the the 100 and 200, in 11.4 seconds and 22.8 seconds. Many congratulations.

Cheshire League - Winton - 18 June

The results from the Cheshire League have just arrived (28 June) and confirm the club finished fourth in the ladies' contest and second in the men's event. The under 13 squad consisted of Natasha Le Surf, Amanda Paton, Lucy Waterworth, Danielle McGifford, Kathryn Wilson, Louise Hayes, Tricia Spark, Emily Dickinson and Liane Bibby ,Katy Waterworth and Samantha Fraser turned out for the under 15's with Chris Dickinson, Julia Hayes, Jessica Drillingcourt scoring points for the seniors.

Jamie White and Michael Causer showed the way for the Under 13 Boys, Danny Hughes was the under 15 team, Steve Clague and Ben Clough discharging that role for the over 17's, Phil Robinson, Mike Hughes and Tony Raffle performing for the seniors. The next Cheshire League match will be on Sunday 30 July. Results

John Appleton knocked another four seconds off the club junior steeplechase record finishing eighth in the final in 6.40.11, while Ben Fisher claimed fifth place in the javelin with 55.76. Craig Knight pulled a hamstring during the warm up and was unable to compete in the 100m.

Thaddeus Anim Somuah, Jessica Cretu and Alverty Chriwa represented Merseyside while Samantha Fraser and Andy McDonagh wore Cheshire's colours at the Mason Trophy Meeting. Thaddeus boosted his claim for inclusion in the ESAA team with a solid 100m performance (11.3. 2nd), Jessica put another hurdles race under her belt in her gradual return to fitness and Alverty , who has only trained once, made her debut in the javelin. Andy, who has already been selected for Cheshire, had a tough race in the 800m (2.01.4) and Sam finished fourth A in the high jump.

With club members either resting after the schools championships or studying hard for their exams we were only able to field ten athletes. However, other clubs were similarly hit and fielded three or four athletes. Nonetheless our ten produced some good performances. Steve Knowles won the high jump with a record equalling 1.85 and took second place in the triple jump (11.83). David Griffiths won the B string triple jump (11.17) while namesake Tom Griffiths took the 1500m in 4.09.1, John Appleton taking first B in 4.28.2.

Women's team leader Lucy Mitchell won the triple jump and was second in the long jump and shot, Nicola Quinn taking second in the B. Lucy then coached the dependable Anna Howard into competing in the javelin! Rachael Price returned to competition after her exams with contributions to the sprints, discus and long jump while Alex Helsby was excellent in the field with first places in the B events in hammer and discus.

Craig Knight was top quality winning the 100 and 200, the latter with a ten metres margin. Even Phil Thomas weighed in with ten points as a field events official while acting as team manager as the club grabbed an unexpected fourth place just behind a numerically stronger West Cheshire side but ahead SouthportWaterloo, Wirral and Warrington. We're now equal with the Sandgrounders in fifth place and, with a fuller turn out at our final match (which we are staging at Warrington on July 16, could take fourth place at the end of the season.

Many thanks to the Griffiths family for support and biscuits, Steve Mayers who came to support training colleagues Tom and John and to Lucy for transport. Thanks too to Doug Hanna for providing results on the day and sending them out by email so quickly after the the match. Results:

Merseyside Schools Championships Wavertree: Cheshire at Macclesfield: Greater Manchester : Trafford: 10 June

The club had two competitors at the Greater Manchester Championships held at Trafford. Dave Forrester won the 1500m title with 3.56.9 (championship best performance, ESAA entry standard and under 17 club record) while John Appleton was third in the 2000m steeplechase in 6.44.9, knocking half a minute off the previous club best he set at Wigan last year.

At Macclesfield the organisers of the Cheshire Championships avoided clashes with the England match by having all sprints run as heats. Katie Waterworth was third overall (27.6). Andy McDonagh 800 (2.04.1), Mike Jukes (11.79 triple), Sam Fraser (1.48 - high jump) each won county titles while Emma Scott continues to improve with sixth place in the high jump (1.30). Results

Josie Barrow produced the outstanding performance at the Merseyside Championships at Wavertree by achieving a national standard in the high jump, winning with 1.66m, a club record by ten centimetres. There were several victories in the Year 7 competitions (which don't qualify for ESAA consideration) including Jamie Webb (800 - 2.31.3) and Tom Green (200 - 28.2), while there were championship winning debuts from high jumpers Jake Barton(1.50) and Sophie Rigby (1.38).

Luke Williams qualified for the final of the 200m but was ill (subsequently diagnosed with tonsillitis) and missed the final having previously improved the long jump record to 5.35m. Jake Healy was ill before his race and slipped to fourth, Thaddeus Anim Somuah was under the weather before his 200m final but claimed third place to go with his second position in the 100m (11.6).

Ben Clough (5.11.5) ran strongly for second place in the steeplechase, Steve Clague (5.38.1) claiming fourth while Liam Houston finished sixth in the two events in which he competed. The overlapping programme resulted in Danny Hughes setting a personal best in the 800 (2.22.4) but missing his shot putt while Jamie White had a great battle in the 1500m (5.04.4) just losing to a lad twice his size.

Luke James raised his high jump best to 1.40, Heather Drillingcourt broke 14 secs to reach the final of the 100m while Jessica Cretu was second in the 300m hurdles (52.0).

John Ashcroft (800 - 2.26.7) and David Griffiths (1500 - 5.10.6), Lauren Bradshaw (800 - 2.45.8) and John Dumbell (3000 - 11.33.1)were in good form in difficult blustery conditions. A full set of results is attached and my apologies to anyone who has been missed off. Please let me know and I'll add your names. Results:

Gemma Connolly took second place in the Birkenhead Park 5, just two seconds behind Liverpool's Hannah Carroll. in 30.28 (33rd overall). An excellent run from Gemma who set personal bests on the track the previous weekend. The following day she contested the Bowden 5Km finishing 75th overall (4th lady) in 18.51 Christine Dickinson (23.36) and Chris Dempsey (24.15) also competed.

Heather Drillingcourt was fourth (second junior) home in the Race For Life held at Sherdley Park on Wednesday June 7. Lyn Webb was second. I'm sure we must have had other people running so if you competed and you know your place or time, or just simply took part please let me know.

The club resisted last minute attempts to move the fixture to Bebington and was rewarded with an excellent display from a depleted team. The under 15 Girls' relay team of Amy Pilkington, Heather Drillingcourt, Samantha Fraser and Katie Waterworth set a new club record of 53.3. Josie Barrow set a season's best 1.53 after shopping at Cheshire Oakes and there were individual wins for Danielle Stevenson (shot), Emma Scott (hurdles), Elizabeth Mousdale (800) and two good second places for Jemma Shaw.(1500 and long jump).

For the Under 17's Sara McLoughlin broke 12 minutes winning the 3000m, Jessica Cretu was second in the hurdles and discus, Anna Howard contested three individual events as did Jessica Drillingcourt who scored steadily.

The Under 13 Girls produced a host of second places, including shot putters Tricia Spark and Rose Hindley, hurdlers Natalie Bannister and Louise Hayes, Amanda Paton in the 1200 with Ashleigh Roberts and Lucy Waterworth helping the relay team into second place. Rachael Wicock, granddaughter of Sutton's best ever 400m runner, Ken made a solid debut in the 800m alongside Emily Dickinson who made her usual contribution wherever needed.

The Under 13 Boys were hit by holidays but Danny Barr made a good debut in the high jump, shot and long jump - a first and two seconds- Luke James won the hurdles, Jamie White produce a trio of second places and Jamie Webb joined in with second in the 100, 800 and shot putt.

The Under 15's shook off the absence of sprinters with throwers Danny Hughes and Adam Fackey scoring maximum points in the hammer, John Ashcroft winning the B string 1500m and the trio joined by David Griffiths for victory in the 4x400.

Ben Clough won the Hammer, Steve Clague the B steeplechase and both lads made their unexpected debuts in the 400m with excellent results as Ben broke 60 secs and Steve came within a fraction of doing so.

Warrington won the match, by virtue of numbers, ahead of Oswestry with ourselves beating Trafford and claiming ninth spot in the table, a point behind Wrexham, who we meet in the penultimate match at the end of the month, one point ahead of Hyndburn and clear of Blackley. This makes the Wrexham match a priority. Results:

Records fell as the club scored a record number of points taking a second successive win in the 2006 track and field campaign with an emphatic win at the match which was rearranged at short notice owing to the unavailability of the Litherland track.

Gill Laithwaite broke her own 1500m record by over five seconds (4.50.2) in a perfectly timed run in which the opposition was exterminated off the top bend and into the home straight. Gill also won the 3000 and contributed to fifth place in the 4x400. Gemma Connolly joined her in all three races winning the B string in the long distance events and setting a pb in the metric mile.

The sprint relay team drafted Ian Cooney in on first leg and lowered the senior record by 0.4 seconds with Thaddeus Anim-Somuah, Steve Moran and Craig Knight completing the quartet in 44.8. Craig had two great sprint races winning the 100 (12.2) and losing the 200 (22.7)on the judges' verdict after the timekeepers couldn't separate the athletes. Steve (11.6) and Thaddeus (22.9) weighed in with second place B points.

Both David Forrester and Andy McDonagh ducked under the previous under 17 800 record, Dave taking third A (1.56.9) and Andy second (1.58.7). Dave joined Dave Twigg (1500 - 4.13.7), Ian (54.2 -400) and Andy in the 4x400 running 3.36.1.

Nicola Quinn (already in the UK top twenty junior hammer rakings) raised the senior hammer record to 33.80 in winning, Julia Hayes setting a pb of 20.27 for second B and Caroline Morley set a new legal best for the senior 100 hurdles. There was a personal best for 100m runner Anna Howard.

Natalie Mullineux won the discus and scored seconds in the javelin and shot before running third leg of the 4x100m where her worries were allayed when she realised other clubs had put their shot putters on third leg too!! The team was cemented by our solid club athletes, Phil Robinson winning the hammer with just under 30m and taking maximum points in the B pole vault alongside Peter Code who also showed superb technique in the steeplechase and 110hurdles, winning the latter under pressure.

Matt Shillabeer made an 11 metre debut in the triple jump and claimed 2nd B in the long jump, Ben Fisher was just under 56 metres in the javelin, after a 1.80 second place in the high jump while Michael Hughes continues to impress in his first season as shot /discus thrower.

Ray Vose survived a fall in the 400m hurdles, to compete in the 110 hurdles and steeplechase while Ian Hayburn contested the 5000 alongside Ian Costello. Ray's looking for younger runners for the hurdles!!!!

The girls too had greater support, captain Sue Lowrie, flu stricken, came and competed sensibly in the high jump alongside Caroline, withdrawing once she knew she had achieved maximum points. Jessica Cretu did the long hurdles and long jump in support of Lucy Mitchell who added the javelin and 100m to her two jumps, winning the triple with 10.26.

Nicola Quinn completed her maximum five events and Julia Eccleston cheerfully tackled the 800 and 400 alongside Helen Grady before both ensured the club claimed a top six place in the 4x400.

The final scores were 1) St Helens-Sutton A C 389.5; 2) Stockport Harriers 337.5; 3 Altrincham 292; 4 Wirral A C 278.5; 5 SouthportWaterloo 272.5; 6 Warrington A C 254.

The current League table reads 1 St Helens-Sutton 12 (784.5); 2 Stockport Harriers 10(725); 3 Altrincham 7 (569.5); 4 Warrington 5 (564); 5 SouthportWaterloo 4 (517.5); 6 Wirral A C 5 (490.5).

Our officials today were Frank Vose (timekeeper), Paul Forrester and Tony Raffle (track judges) while John Irwin, George Mullineux, Michael Hughes, Ian Hayburn and Robbie McKenna helped us on the field events.

Phil Thomas was team manager. The Costellos, Forresters, McDonaghs, Anim-Somuah's and Fishers attended in numbers while John Naylor and Marc Laithwaite were also there on a bright sunny day.

The next match is on Sunday 2 July, also at Bebington, when we need another full turn out to consolidate our promotion bid. Please make yourselves available. Pics Results