2007/08 AV Shield Round 10
Aberfeldie on 15 January 2008 

Not to be out-done from the previous round, we had an even bigger turn up for Round 10 of the AV Shield summer season. While results did not quite fall our way, there were some excellent performances and five more athletes qualified to compete in the Region Final at Aberfeldie on Saturday, 2 February 2008

Performing well was Carmel Taylor who won the 800 metres and was third in the 1500 metres. Adrianna Crea and Tim Erickson both won in the Walk, Celeste White was third in the 100 metres before coming second in the 200 metres. Matt Mifsud was second in the 200 metres (division 2). David Woods was runner up in the 800 metres (division 2) with Luong Dao third and our top relay team recorded the fastest 4 x 400 metre Relay time seen at the club for many years

Luke Dragon was second in the 1500 metres (Division 4), John Staunton was runner up in the Walk (Division 3), Joanne Francken was third in the 800 metres as was Liam Shepherd in the Javelin (Division 2). Shepherd is the club’s top ranked Javelin thrower this season. Just out of the placings in fourth was Steven Marsh in the 800 metres (Division 2), Heather Stewart in the 800 and 1500 metres, Philip Van Dueren in the High Jump (Division 2) and John Braszell in the 1500 metres (Division 3)

Most importantly, we had athletes qualify in key events with Filip Cosic’s time in the 800 metres guaranteeing him a spot, as did Joel Legg’s remarkable 12.79 in the 100 metres. Megan Marsh potentially added the 100 metres to her repertoire after her 16.38 last week, along with Joanne Francken and Daniella Modesti

At the end of the round, we came second in all senior grades save Division 4 men who scored an important victory. Nevertheless, other results did fall our way which meant that our Division 2 men consolidated second spot and our Division 3 men are comfortably on top of their ladder. And a surprising result in Division 4 saw the top team finish third last week, which means our first place has us within one point of top spot. Another win this week would see us take top position

And so we come to the penultimate round of competition. This week is the last regular round of competition, with the washed out Round 8 being played out the following week. What it does mean is that we have Program 2 on consecutive weeks. It is imperative this week that we concentrate on having athletes compete in events that will be held in the final. While for track athletes this means only the 400 metres, we could do with a couple more athletes in the Hammer Throw. Having competed in that event earlier in the season it can be a lot of fun. Just don’t stand too close! A prize to anyone first time throwers who can beat my embarrassing 9.46 metres

STOP PRESS

An opportunity exists for one Coburg Harrier to volunteer at the Melbourne Athletics Grand Prix Meet (formerly Telstra A-Series Meet) at Olympic Park on Thursday, 21 February 2008. Volunteers will be provided with a uniform, entry pass and meal voucher. What a great opportunity to be on track with Asafa Powell (100 metres) and Jeremy Wariner). Please email me if you would like to volunteer.  You would need to be available from 6:00 pm on the night

DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, 22 January 2008          Round 11 of AV Shield from 6:00 pm at Aberfeldie
Tuesday, 29 January 2008          Round 8 of AV Shield from 6:00 pm at Aberfeldie
Saturday, 2 February 2008          AV NorthWest Region Final at Aberfeldie

Photo's from this meet are now available to view on the club's Coburg Harriers Facebook group. Check them out today