It has been confirmed that both Men's Division Four and Women's Division Two will be competing at the AV Shield Final on Saturday, 16 February 2008 at Rieschiecks Reserve, Doncaster. This marks the first time since 2005/06 that we have been in the AV Shield Final. At that time, the top regional two teams in each division automatically went through to the final. That day we had all three men's team competing, with our best result fourth place in both Division 3 and 4

But to Saturday's North West Region Final, and in Division Two Adam Larsson was first in the High Jump before anchoring our relay team to an upset victory, pipping his Western A's opponent on the line despite giving up a twenty metre head start. Larsson later came third to David Woods in the 400 metres. Woods earlier underlined his class with second place in the 800 metres as well. Michael Dziadkiewicz was third in the 100 metres while Lawrence Willis came third in each of his field events - Shot Put, Javelin and Hammer Throw. Season's end has come too soon for Willis who was in his best shot put form of the summer if not career!

For Division Three, Gary Hennessy was second in the 100 metres, our relay team came second, Joel Legg won the 400 metres with Luong Dao third, Steven Collyer won the High Jump and Rohan King was fourth in the Shot Put. And in the 3000 metres it was a personal best 11:08 for Josh Persson to secure fifth place. For our Division Four men, Mohamed Reese was second in the 3000 metres with Robert Virgona fourth, the relay team came second, Adam Larsson was very narrowly beaten into second place in the 800 metres, Joel Legg won the High Jump, Rohan King was third in the Hammer and fourth in the Javelin

Interestingly, the women's team only had one winner on the day - Carmel Taylor in the 3000 metres. This one event seems to have been the one that got the girls over the line, with only one other club being able to field a runner - and only one at that. Accordingly, Coburg scored the trifecta with Daniella Modesti runner up to Carmel and Jackie Steel in third. Celeste White was third in the 400 metres and fourth in the 100 metres and Jo Francken was second in the 800 metres, just edging out Heather Stewart into third. Rebecca Collyer was third in the Hurdles and Triple Jump. In the 400 metres Jo Francken scored a personal best 68.50 seconds

For our first and second men's teams, it was the ability of the opposition to fill events like the Sprint Hurdles, Pole Vault and Steeplechase that made the difference. Until we can find athletes to fill these events, we are going to struggle to overcome the advantage this gives our opposition at finals time. While not an excuse, we were also missing a couple of key athletes. However this made much less of an impact than last year and it is unlikely that even with our best team the results would have been much different

But for now we celebrate the achievements of the two teams that did make it through to the big stage, the AV Shield Final. Some athletes have already been contacted to advise them of their events, with the remainder to be contacted very shortly. Please note, for the men we are only allowed to select those athletes ranked 7th or lower for each track or 5th or lower for each field event. If you competed in Division 4 for the Region Final, it may not guarantee you a spot in the Shield Final

There will be a team dinner afterwards at the Doncaster Hotel. Click hotel name for their menu or more information on their facilities. We will be seated near the indoor children's playground. The hotel is located at 855 Doncaster Road, Doncaster (Melways Ref 47 H1). I am sure that the 25 Coburg Harriers representing the club with pride at the final would really appreciate the support of all Harriers this day. Please consider coming down to support your team-mates either as a member of a rowdy Harriers cheer squad or as an official. Please let me know if you are able to assist in the latter

IMPORTANT MEETING

Don't forget that tomorrow night (Tuesday) after training we have the election of the 2008 Winter Committee as part of a normal club committee meeting at the clubrooms from 7:30 pm. All registered members are invited to attend as we meet to elect a Winter Captain, Winter Vice-Captain, Winter Committee members (three positions) and two Winter Handicappers. The election will take place after training and members are invited to stay for the committee meeting afterwards

DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, 5 February 2008      Election of Winter Committee from 7:30 pm at clubrooms

Saturday, 9 February 2008     Special Pre-Shield Final Training Session (venue details to follow as track will be occupied)

Saturday, 16 February 2008   AV Shield Final from 3:00 pm at Rieschiecks Reserve, George Street, Doncaster (Melways Ref 33 K10)

DATE TBA                             Summer Season Presentation Night with venue to be advised