The 2021 Midland Athletic League came to a close with a 3rd match of the season at Yate on Sunday the 15th of August. Bristol & West were again joint hosts with Yate & District as we were for Match 1 and both clubs certainly put in their fair share of effort to get these fixtures on. Thanks again to the officials from both clubs for, all that they do.
Our turnout followed the pattern of previous matches with strong contributions from our female field eventers, male and female sprinters and middle distance/endurance runners and a valiant contribution from a small and hard pressed band of male field eventers. Going forward the men's field events is the area where we will most need to work with coaches to improve our team chances when the league reverts to its normal format next year. Although, in saying that, what I'd actually like to see most of all, is the team full, packed with talented A, B and guest athletes and Bristol & West Athletic Club winning the league. I think it can be done and certainly something to aspire to.
Some highlights of the day:
Our newly qualified L1 Field Judge Emma Clarke warming up with a 400mH as a "have a go hero" before completing her first ever steeplechase over 3000m which is a different sort of beast from her usual 2000m distance.
Alice Watson running back from the car park to fill a vacant 400m spot.
Sophi Hayes-Hoyle getting a 3s PB in the 800m on a windy day before celebrating with an outing in the 3000m.
Steve Kerfoot running his first 3000m steeplechase just as Emma did before him as he gets ready for changing age groups next year.
Marcia Brady for cheering up everyone who meets her and the contribution of the Brady Bunch all season long.
Four fantastic relay teams from our stunning men and women's 4x100 sprinting teams doing what they do to the middle distance/endurance runners giving all they had left in the 4x400's.
Thanks for everyone's efforts throughout the season. League positions were never what this year was about, but for the record we were 3rd in Match 3 and 3rd for the season and extremely close to 2nd for both.
On a personal note, I'd like to publicly thank Steve Grant for all the help and support he has given me this season. Believe me when I say, "I couldn't have done it without him". It has certainly been a challenging role, but with Steve's' guidance I've learnt and improved as the season has progressed. I will be coming down to a training night in September, to give myself a chance to talk to coaches and athletes, update my contact list and get my face out there.
I look forward to seeing some of you in September and then next spring when we get back to the real deal and a normal competition year in 2022 competing in the top Division against Birchfield, Gloucester, Rugby & Northampton, Notts and Tamworth.
Simon Knibb
Midland Athletics League Team Manager
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