Northern League Division 3WC Match One, Carlisle Sunday 19th May 2019 

After an evening of folk songs at the The Bridge Inn (Gilsland), the Trafford squad harmonised for a successful start to their 2019 Northern League season.

Fourteen men and six women combined with five officials: Kamil, Jeff, Mike, Ryan and Greg, secured second place team with a total of 359 points compared to the winner’s Bury on 371 points and ahead of third place East Cheshire with 330. 

Compared to the other teams we were particularly successful in the field events.  The formidable combination of Roger, Sergii, Mike and Ryan won six and were second in two of the available eight throws.  That included season’s bests for Mike in the shot and javelin, and Sergii’s furthest discus since 2015.  It was then great to see Ryan returning from injury to secure second in the 5000m B. 

In the women’s throws, Meg McHugh and Hayley Perrin teamed up to win the A and B shot.  Meg also won the 400mH, setting a season’s best.  Hayley then continued to win the A javelin, in addition to winning her main event long jump by more than half a metre, whilst Chiara did excellently to win the B javelin.  Chiara’s 100m time of 12.8 was a season’s best.  Chichi won the B 100m and then stepped up to the discus to place fourth in the A. 

A lot of points were also gained in the jumps thanks to Hayley, Chichi, Rivi, Alex and Darren. 

The relays were very entertaining.  Sally Woolhouse led off for both women’s events, getting the team into contention in the 4x100 before Chayce, Hayley and Meg gradually built an unassailable lead clocking 52.50.  Meanwhile in the 4x400 there was no looking back as Sally, Chayce, Chiara and Meg won by 25 seconds with 4:08.6.  That came on top of wins in the 1500m A for Sally and 400m A for Chayce, whilst Chayce completed a busy day with second in the 200m A in a season’s best 26.5. 

The men’s 4x100 team won by a clear 2.5 seconds (45.7) thanks to Dan, Reece, Adam and Rivi.  Bernard then got the 4x400 team going on a good first leg, followed by Adam taking the lead on the second and Dan and Reece securing victory in 3:27.9.

The second match (of four) is a home match at Stretford on Sunday 16th June.  Please let Simon O'Meara (psymon_omeara@hotmail.com) know if you would like to compete.  This fixture is an ideal opportunity to ensure our standing in the division's top two and therefore our chances for promotion. 

It's not yet clear where full results will be published, but this item will be updated when we know.

Simon O'Meara