First round of the North of England track and field league, Wakefield (May 2) (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

First round of the North of England track and field league, Wakefield (May 2)

10:20pm Tuesday 12th May 2009 in

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Bingley Harriers made an excellent start to this season’s senior track and field league competition. Newly promoted into division 2 it was important that they established ourselves well for the rest of the league campaign.

It was an unusually warm day in Wakefield and the day started early with the men’s hammer. Bingley were represented by throwing stalwarts, Ian Lindley and Jason Scott, who both acquitted themselves well. Jason came second in the A-string event and Ian first in the B-string. Jason and Ian secured even more points throughout the day in the shot (which Ian won) and discus. Jason ended the day throwing the javelin, alongside Danny Crosby.

Crosby as ever managed to cover a diverse range of events including the sprint hurdles and the 400m hurdles, as well as the triple jump, in which he came second.

In the long jump, new member of the senior team, Matthew Chambers, came third in the A-string, whilst Ben Ambler returned from injury to win the B-string.

Back on the track Matthew Cottam and James Cain laid down impressive times in the 100m. Matt won the A-string in a very close race (the first three places being given equal times). James came a very close second in the B-string but in a slightly faster time. These two are likely to go head-to-head in the County Championships next weekend (May 9-10) in Sheffield. With them both being in fine early season form it is likely to be a close-run race.

In the 200m Matthew completed the double, whilst Harrison Foster opened his season with a second place in the B-string event. Josh Allan ran his first 400m race of the season, coming second. Iain Thackrah ran his first race for Bingley in the B-string event and pleasantly surprised himself finishing fourth.

Thomas Crowley took on the mantle of middle-distance specialist, running both the 800m and 1500m. He ran a personal best in the 800m, finishing in fifth place. In his preferred event, the 1500m, Tom came home first. John Convery collected valuable points in the B-string for both middle-distance races.

In the longest distance race of the day, the 5000m, Richard Harris made a welcome return to the team. He had suffered a foot injury during the Cup competition at the end of last season but has come back strong with his first run for the team this year coming 3rd in the A-race. Stuart MacDonald ran well to win the B-string event.

The club lacked entrants in the steeple-chase and is looking for suitable competitors for this event.

The day ended with the traditional sprint relay events. A new line-up of Matthew Chambers to James Cain to Harrison Foster to Matt Cottam, caused an anxious few moments for the coaching staff. However, there was little reason to worry as they stormed home to victory two-tenths of a second in front of the teams in second and third.

The last event of the day was the 4 x 400m relay, the team of Iain, Harrison, Tom and Josh were beaten into second place by Bolton, which is how the final league positions stood at the end of the first match.

The Bingley Ladies section of the Track & Field League were well represented with a total of 16 athletes taking part.

There were some notable absentees - Amy Howard and Sarah Benson were competing for their universities in Bedford. (Oliver and Nic Robinson were also in Bedford competing at the University Championships – they will certainly enhance the Men’s team on their return.) Andrea Dennison was also missing due to recovering from her fantastic performance in the London Marathon.

Bingley had, however, a very good squad with two juniors making their league debut (Arianna Zenti and Emily Peacock) and together with the more experienced ladies they came up with a good score to assist the men into second place position overall.

The winning women's A-string performers were:

Phillipa Medley – High Jump

Carly Robertson – 800m

Adanna Okeahialam – Hammer

Janine Crosby – Discus

Emma Jones – Javelin and Shot.

The team of competitors were supported by the club's team of dedicated officials gathered together by their persuasive honorary secretary who did us proud for organising the event and acting as announcer.

The club also thanked Mary Chambers, chief recorder, the Bolton family for their catering skills and Alistair Young (track referee) who was being assessed as part of his UK Athletics track officials qualification.

Tony Kingham did a fine job as marshal, whilst in the field Janet Pearson and her team of helpers - Larry Animashaun who is recovering from injury alongside Leanne Jennings (athlete) and Sheila Terry (official) - all gained valuable points for the team and ensured the smooth running of the meeting.

The next league match is at Leigh on Saturday, June 6.