Nene Valley Harriers completed their amazing season in the Southern Athletics League as champions with a 100 per cent record.
Harriers first won the league two years ago – but confirmation did not come for a few days due to the close match point.
This time was different, as there were no doubts after Nene Valley enjoyed a flawless record throughout the season thanks to wins at Peterborough, Bedford, Colchester, Crawley and last weekend at Southampton.
Ladies’ team manager Ken Maggs said: “The club’s athletes and supporters received compliments about how our team held themselves up as sportsmen both in the field and on the track, in the stands supporting and a certain Adam Fidget for helping high jumpers from all clubs whilst he was supporting the officials.
“The officials have been brilliant all season. Sally Pusey, Mick Lynas, Brenda and Ray Church, Andy and Amanda Stubley and Andrea Chapman who have travelled all round the southern area and also the several others who have stepped in to help when needed.
“These people are not only vital for the meeting to happen but they have also scored important match points.
“Ultimately the athletes have been the important ones and we have seen a number of the club’s under-17s really move their careers forward by competing alongside their senior ranks.
“These athletes have been given the opportunity to learn from their team mates and those of other clubs.
“This league is known for both sportsmanship and the competitiveness which is present at every match.”
One of those athletes to come through the ranks, Ronan Rawlings, achieved a close-fought double sprint victory in the 100m and 200m.
Also coming through into the senior squad were brother and sister Aaron and Saskia Hunt. Aaron won the 800m in marginally under two minutes, supported by Ollie Bowling who was unlucky not to break the magic barrier with two minutes dead.
Saskia, usually a cross country and road athlete ‘volunteered’ for the 3,000m in order to fill spaces and picked up good points in doing so. Meanwhile, another under-17 lady, Alex Stubley competed in the javelin after getting clearance from her physio just two days before the match, scored valuable points.
The value to the young members of the team comes from older ones. Athletes such as Sean Beard in the men’s 5,000m, Simon Achurch winning the hammer and throwing anything else he could find to gain points all season and Andrea Jenkins, who although not present on Saturday, has scored well to help set up the league position before this final encounter.
There were numerous good performances in far from perfect conditions, especially from Cipriano Miranda who jumped in all directions winning the long, triple and high jump competitions.
A newcomer to the team this season, Miranda showed what a valuable asset he is for the club.
Sean Garmory also impressed upon his return from Northumbria University and has seen a marked improvement in his 400m almost race on race.
In the ladies’, Emily Maltby, once again competed in five individual events, and recording four second place results as well as second in the 4 x 100m relay.
Ellie Mae Stokes stepped in to cover the 200m, but still won her long jump and came second in the triple jump.
Under-20 ace Megan Pusey, usually a B string long sprints athlete, stepped up as the leading 200m and 400m runner enabling good points to be scored – even running the 100m immediately before her 400m so that the team did not lose points.
Team manager Tim Needham added: “Both managers are extremely proud of each and every athlete and volunteer who has helped the club take this title. Everyone has stepped in to fill gaps, get fellow athletes to the venues and help officiate at matches.
“This title is yours, every one of you.”
