By Jamie Strudley
The sun was shining for Yarra Ranges Athletics to enjoy the last round of little athletics for 2022 on Saturday. A day of mixed emotions for the club and members. After a morning of high quality athletics that saw a High Jump record from 1991 broken, a visit from Santa brought smiles to the faces of everyone as we also said goodbye to one of our favourite families.
After several years of fantastic support from Kate Downward and her family we say goodbye as the family head to a new adventure in country Victoria. Kate has been an age group leader, committee member and a fantastic coach for our developing little athletics membership. The club wishes Kate, Hannah, Quinn and Scott all the best, we look forward to seeing them again soon.
Harry Norman competed in the Zatopek 10000 on Thursday night at Lakeside Stadium. This is one of the premier events on the Australian Athletics calendar, being the Australian 10000m championships and Victorian 10000m Championships, with prize money up for grabs, a plethora of Australian representatives and the current Australian record holder in the field the race was always going to be tough and exciting. Harry finished in 14th place (5th Victorian) running a huge PB and club record of 29.34.58.
Yarra Ranges’ seniors were in action on Saturday for round 7 of AVSL. Highlights were a rousing 200m heat win from Liam Russell and a fast 800m from Zoe Clarke. The club finishes 2022 in equal first place on the ladder with Preston AC. We look forward to a big turnout of club members in the remaining rounds to cement our position on top of the ladder and secure promotion. Results are:
Women
200m: Ashleigh Rooke 27.60 (-0.8); Zoe Clarke 28.61 (-0.1); Rori Jones 30.20 (-1.2); Ciara Willey 30.38 (-0.8); Kathi Hewitson 37.18 (-0.1);
800m: Zoe Clarke 2:24.76; Mia Strudley 2:33.84; Ciara Willey 2:37.85; Ashleigh Rooke 2:47.10
400m Hurdles: Rori Jones 77.06;
2000m Walk: Emilie Garside 13:38.0h;
Triple Jump: Kathi Hewitson 6.15m;
Shot Put: Ashleigh Rooke 9.11m; Hayley Wilkins 8.72m; Sarah Ebbels 7.56m; Kathi Hewitson 6.29m; Ciara Willey 5.95m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 5.94m;
Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 30.48m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 25.88m; Kathi Hewitson 19.28m;
Men
200m: Liam Russell 25.13 (-1.0); Joseph Johnston 27.13 (-0.5); Michael Willey 29.00 (-0.6); Bradley McMeeken 37.79 (0.3);
800m: Craig Hewitson 2:34.95; Michael Willey 2:39.57; Bradley McMeeken 3:24.90;
1500m: Mitchell Pointon 4:58.9h;
Shot Put: Ash Almond 8.89m; Craig Hewitson 6.81m; Michael Willey 5.33m;
Hammer: Ash Almond 19.64m;
Triple Jump: Liam Russell 11.05m; Ash Almond 9.71m; Craig Hewitson 7.82m;
Good luck to all athletes competing in Vic Milers events this week.
Training is available to all club members on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm and continues throughout the Christmas period.
Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability. If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the Little Athletics fun registration is at www.lavic.com.au. For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!
