Track and Field
THE Southern League track and field season beckons once again, and Mike Harper will soon be on the prowl for Stubbies to compete for the club this season.
Last summer, Stubbington finished mid-table in ninth place in Division 3 West, which saw Met Police and Wessex/Bath/Salisbury promoted, while Team Kennett and Bournemouth were relegated.
There are five track meets this summer, beginning at Oxford on May 5th, and followed by a long trip to Newquay in Cornwall on June 2nd. This clashes with the South Downs Relay, which will stretch resources, so if you are not running across the South Downs, how does a trip to sun-kissed Cornwall sound?
The other dates are June 23rd at Swindon, July 14th at Southampton, and then the final meeting of the summer at Basingstoke on August 4th.
For the first time, Stubbington will also be fielding both men's and ladies team in the veteran's track league. Dave Woolcott is organising the team which will feature four evening meetings on a Monday, two of which are in Portsmouth.
The male vets start at 35 years, and then there are various age categories through to 65 plus this year, so I don't know if the categories go 35-44 45 -54 55-64 and 65 and over. My guess is they would. So we could do with some older vets who can get round and throw a few implements.
Track guru, Mike Harper, said: "Unlike the Southern league, there is a ladies team required. The scoring runs similar to the Todays runner League where both count towards the final team position.
"We need all age groups, the standard is quite varied. From a few good sprinters and people like Godfrey Rhimes, to many who just get round the track for team points."
If you are interested in competing on the track this summer for the club, then contact Mike Harper at theharpers12@hotmail.com and give him an indication of your availability.