Creditable cup performance
Monday 9 May 2011
Cardiff's senior team had an early season outing as they participated in the Jo Smith Cup for the first time at Eton on Saturday last, 7th May.
The team competition sees the top eight clubs in Britain competing against one another and it is also a rare opportunity for both the men's and women's teams to compete together.
Emily Brown (pictured) was the star performer on the day, winning the 2000m steeplechase, just an hour after finishing 3rd in the 400m Hurdles.
Both Cardiff teams were hampered by late drop outs and the event clashing with other events with both men's and women's teams failing to fill every event.
On the track there were season's best for Liam Duff and Gareth Price in the 100m, while Gareth Hopkins showed that he is ready for a big season with an encouraging 21.81 in the 200m. Tom Marley made his debut for the team, finishing 3rd in the 1500m after stepping in at the last minute to replace Joe Thomas in the 800m - where he finished 5th. Michael Kershaw finished well to clinch 4th in the 3,000m in a seasons best time of 8.36, just ahead of team mate James Mills.
In the field, it was a glimpse of the future of the club as young thrower Bradley Cole made his senior debut - his event (Hammer) was probably the highest standard competition of the day, as three Commonwealth finalists (including 1 medalist) battled it out. Jamaul Whyte and Rhys Williams also posted season's bests in the high and long jump respectively. Phil Warwicker admitted to feeling a bit tired from his BUCS performance the previous weekend as he jumped 13.26m on his Cardiff debut.
Other notable performances were the men's 4x100m (second) and 4x400m relays (third) while men's Captain Dave Coleman had a taste of what's to come this season as he finished 4th in a high standard discus, won by former Cardiff member Brett Morse.
On the women's side, there were solid season openers for Mica Moore and Melanie Stephenson in the sprints, while Kathryn Davis and Bethan Strange picked up good points in the distance events. Team Manager Debbie Rees stepped in at the last minute to finish 4th in the 3,000m, surprising herself with a track PB of 9:49.
Both teams will now know what to expect this season as thery start their League campaigns in early June.
The final match score was:
1. Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow: 230
2. Woodford Green w Essex Ladies: 211
3. Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers: 198
4. Birchfield Harriers: 185
5. Sale H Manchester: 180
6. Cardiff AAC: 126
7. Newham & Essex Beagles: 117
8. Enfield & Haringey: 71
To view the full results, click on CUP RESULTS.