Croydon enjoyed double third at the opening Masters League of the season

Report from Andy Del Nevo

Croydon Harriers had a wonderful first fixture of the season at Kingston on Monday Night, in the SCVAC league for over 35s with both teams finishing 3rd.  The men had a huge battle with Epsom, all night, who just managed to beat us, by a solitary point, in both matches Epsom were second and Hercules Wimbledon, were 1st.

Croydon had two winners on the night, Jim Eccles was first in the M35 discus with a throw of 29.79m, he also managed second in the M35 pole vault and third in the M35 Hammer.  The other winner was Andy Del Nevo in the pole vault, who also managed second in the hammer.  Second place finishes were also achieved by Mike Smalley in the Triple Jump with 8.52m.  The relay squad, managed a fantastic second place finish in 54.7 seconds, with a team of Mike Smalley, Scott Miller, James Eccles and Jonathan Arthey bringing home the baton on anchor leg. The team were backed up by Terry Lapins in the 100m and Jacob Armstrong-Plieth. Colin Oxlade did all the over 60 events.

The women’s team had a second place finish from Madeleine Armstrong-Plieth in the mile, running 5;52.87, who also completed in the 400m, 100m, discus and long jump. She was backed up on the track, by Miriam De Souza and Sunanda Sarker-Bell, who all ran the track races with her, these three were backed up by Jules Williams, making a special appearance in the relay squad after several years absence.  Linda Oxlade, picked up some additional useful points with a third place in the Hammer.

The club’s next fixture is Monday 16th June at Wimbledon Park, who are always on the lookout for runners, jumpers and throwers over 35 to compete in the league.