Written by Nicky Atkins   

A small team of five women competed in the Southern Counties Veterans League, Monday 13th June, at Wimbledon Park Athletics track, hosted by Wimbledon Hercules.

Caroline Jeffcote achieved, according to the Power of 10 website, a PB in both 200m and 800m races. Liz Richardson run in the 5000m cheered on by her three year old son. Nicki Murphy ran in 200m and jumped both the high and triple jumps. Camilla Thrush threw both shot and hammer and jumped in the high jump. While Nicky Atkins threw the shot, receiving a fair amount of banter from her coaching group. However according to The Power of 10 Nicky achieved  a PB. Nicky also ran in the 5000m. Caroline, Nicki, Liz and Nicky all ran a leg of the 4 x 200m relay which was immediately after the 5000m race.

As there were a large number of men running in the 5000m it was decided to have two races. However this meant that the women’s 5000m race didn’t actually start until 8.45pm and after hearing news that the park gates are locked at 9.00am they was  tension on the start line. After the relays there was a swift walk to the car parks, however Caroline’s walk turned into a run as the park keeper was about to lock the gate!

In this match we finished fourth out of six teams. The points, however, were very close, with the  exception of Epsom and Ewell who are by far the leaders:

Epsom and Ewell Harriers 137

Wimbledon Hercules 76

Croydon harriers 73

K&P 71

We all had a busy and enjoyable evening and fortunately after three matches we are still second to Epsom and Ewell Harriers. Our final meeting will be on Monday 11th July at Croydon Arena.  All offers of support, whether it is officiating or cheering the team on, are always welcome.

Nicky Atkins

Joint Team Manager.