2007/08 AV Shield ROUND 7
ABERFELDIE on 4 Decmber 2007

Round 7 of the 2007/08 Athletics Victoria summer season saw our first night meeting for the year in fine conditions. This must have been the reason for a 25% increase in numbers from the Round 6 day meet just four days previous. With one of our strongest turn outs for the year, some great results followed

Making their season debut was ultra-talented sprinter Liam Shepherd who hails from the Garry Hennessy stable of runners. Remarkably it was in the Javelin where Shepherd excelled, throwing an extraordinary 37.87 metres for first place in Division 2. Also making their season debut was marathon specialist Robert Virgona and he went very close to breaking the 2:50 barrier in the 800 metres. Both athletes are a welcome addition to the team

Other notable performances came from Joshua Traine who recorded a personal best in the 800 metres as did Adrianna Crea in the 1500 metre Walk. For the latter this was good enough for first place in the women’s event. Celeste White was the fastest 200 metre runner at the venue in Division Two – and second fastest in the 100 metres, while David Woods – from the Benny Tancredi stable – won the 800 metres for men’s division two to secure a one-two finish with Shane Jansen

Winning the Walk section was Tim Erickson in a Coburg quinella with John Staunton while Megan Marsh placed third in the women’s event. Heather Stewart just pipped Joanne Francken to secure a two-three finish for our women’s team in the 800 metres. And the much maligned “social member” Rey Villegas was second in the 800 metres for Division Four. Philip Van Dueren was third in the High Jump for Division Three while Jo Francken was third in the 1500 metres

At the end of competition, our Women’s team had scored yet another convincing victory and the addition in recent times of Heather Stewart and Jackie Steel has added a lot of depth to that team. They are now well clear on the top of their ladder. The Division 2 men had one of their best results for the season to finish second and lie third on the ladder, our Division Three men were second to stay in top place, while in Division Four a big victory consolidated their second position

So just over the halfway mark of the season and thoughts turn towards the finals. At time of writing fifty athletes have scored points for the club and two-thirds of these are already qualified to compete in the finals. If you are on the cusp of finals qualification, be sure to expect an email in the next hew days. With such a large team this year – bigger than our winter squad – you won’t want to risk missing out on your chance to compete in the finals

SOCIALLY SPEAKING

* The Masters Christmas Party is being held tomorrow night from 7:00 pm. Just $12 for a three course meal and visit from Santa
* On Thursday, 20 December is the Coburg Harriers training squad break up. To be held after training, please bring a plate. Beer is by donation in the bar fridge but anything else will be on a BYO basis. Speeches will be made on the club’s progress in the summer season to date
* New Years Eve party is being held for interested Harriers at the residence of Jeremy Grey. Details to follow

DATES TO REMEMBER

Saturday, 15 December 2007      AV Round 8 at Aberfeldie from 1:00 pm
Thursday, 20 December 2007      Coburg Harriers Break Up Function (after training)
Saturday, 22 December 2007      Possible Saturday morning training session (watch this space for more details)
Thursday, 27 December 2007      Training resumes from 6:00 pm sharp

You will now also find us on MySpace at http://groups.myspace.com/coburgharriers