Harriers finish second on scorching day in Chelmsford
Harriers finish second on scorching day in Chelmsford
With the heat really on, Colchester Harriers pushed Chelmsford AC all the way in the Southern Athletics League Division One meeting on Saturday, finishing second ahead of Marshall Milton Keynes and Crawley AC.
The second placed finish moves the Harriers comfortably into mid-table in the overall league standings as they enter the second half of the season.
Rebecca Jeggo continued her impressive start to the season, equalling her PB of 12.0 seconds to narrowly finish second place in the 100 metres before winning the 200, closely followed by teammate Joy Ogunleye in second. Joy’s impressive performance gave her victory in the B string of both events.
On the Men’s side, Akin Akinboh ran superbly to clinch second place in the A string 100m, claiming a personal best of 11.0 seconds. He was closely followed by Joe Wilkin, coming back to form with victory in the B string.
Jake Young continued his momentum with victory in the 400m as well as second place in the 200, closely followed by Akin’s second run out of the day, winning the B string.
It was a superb day for the Harriers distance athletes as victory and personal bests were happening everywhere. Ramadam Osman claimed first place in a highly competitive 1500m with a superb front running effort, gaining a new personal best of 4,07.6s. He was closely followed by Erneas Afeweki in 4,13.5s for 1st place in the B string. There were also personal bests for Nate Filer in the 5000m, Michael Smith in the 2000m Steeplechase and Sam Higgins in his victory in the Javelin.
Following Sam’s impressive example, the Men enjoyed success in the field events with 1st in the Long Jump for Akin Akinboh and victory in the Triple Jump for Joseph Clarke.
On the Women’s side, it was a tale of talent mixed with a brilliant team spirit as athletes helped across the board to fill every event. Helen Taczynski competed in an incredible five events across the track and field, even finding enough energy for a personal best in the 110m hurdles. Heidi Steele did the courageous double up of 800m and 3000m, claiming a fantastic first place in the B string 3k.
Nicola Martell Smith chipped in as usual in multiple events across the board however there was bad news for the athlete as she missed the start of the Women’s 2k steeplechase when officials failed to tell her the start was on the other side of the track.
There was victory for Jade Morgan in the A string Triple Jump as well as an impressive run for second place in the teams’ 4x400m relay. It did not all go the Harriers way though as the Women’s 100m relay team, looking strong in second place as they turned the last corner, unfortunately dropped the baton and were disqualified.
All in all it was a good day for the Harriers who now move to a home meeting in Colchester on July 14th as they look to continue their rise up the table.