NEWSLETTER
JULY 2003 ISSUE 312

Visit us on our Web Sites at http://www.overton-harriers.freeserve.co.uk

And www.british-athletics.co.uk/clubs/club0077.htm
This Newsletter is typed under Word for Windows 95. Please let Franny have your reports on disk.
Or you can email them directly to me at geoff.cloke@iptest.com and geoff@staddles.fsnet.co.uk
EVENTS DIARY:

FOR FURTHER ENTRY DETAILS CONTACT FRANNY OR CHECK IN “RUNNER’S WORLD”.
FRANNY’S BITS.
Many thanks to all those who helped out at our home track fixture on 2nd August. At the time of writing it appears that we maintained our position in division 4 …..But it was close. Great team spirit was shown on the day following the non-arrival of one or two athletes and then the early injury to Jeremy.
Special mentions to Mark who had a torrid time in the 5000m after getting back from Cuba at 8:30 that morning then running the steeple-chase and relays before heading home to his bed. Also a special mention to Paul who, as well as his jobs as an official, covered several events that he did not want to.
Thanks to John and Anna for the quickest result service in the league, Geoff for the refreshments and of course Mick Scoggins and his team of timekeepers and recorders who stood out in the open all afternoon, along with JT, on one of the hottest days of the year.
I apologise to anyone I have missed from the above list; your efforts went towards the smooth running of the fixture.
Finally on the track I would like to restart awarding the Bionic hat which has spent the last 6 months in a drawer in my kitchen…..Congratulations to Steve McNair who spent the afternoon covering the gaps and picking up many valuable points especially in the hurdles.
It’s that time of year when JT stands on the street corner touting for trade. Yes, last year he sold an amazing amount of raffle tickets but we can’t expect him to sell them all. By now Nicky should have supplied most club members with raffle tickets for this year’s Overton 5 draw. Please can you endeavor to sell your entire batch and ask her for a few more if possible.
HARROW WAY HANDICAP. 19th JUNE
With concerns about road safety it was decided to revert to the Harrow Way course for this summers events. A good-sized field took part and was led home by newcomer Dave Maughn with the fourth fastest time of the night. Second was Keith Clark who has not finished this far up the field for a very long time, he was third fastest on the night and is hopefully coming into form. A very pleased Eric took third and said that the handicapper had got this one just right. Mark was fastest on the night by a large margin with Martin Crawshaw second.

WINCHESTER 5 mile “RACE FOR HOPE” 6th JULY.
Eric and JT decided to give this event a go, having picked up entry forms at Braishfield. It was organised by the charity “HOPE” ably assisted by Winchester AC as an unashamedly charity fund raising effort that has raised millions of pounds for funding medical research since the 70’s.
We were surprised that the event was so well organised with many marshals and police in evidence, run over a course that took in two quite busy main roads. The race started and finished in River Park with excellent facilities at the sports centre and plenty of warming up areas on the playing fields. It was not an easy course with numerous hills throughout and very warm weather.
It was Eric’s first race since returning from holiday and he expectedly struggled with the course and conditions but never the less put in a good performance in 34th place with a time of 34:02. JT was quite pleased with his time that was slightly better than his effort at Braishfield. One aspect that was very pleasing was that JT received the results the following Tuesday, (first class mail) the quickest he could ever remember. This and the goody bag provided by Waitrose and a medal made at the Birmingham Mint gave one the feeling that the entry fee was good value for money.

237 Finishers.
KINTBURY 5 miles. 13th JULY.
Three old gits made the annual pilgrimage to Kintbury in support of our old friend, Dave Wright of Newbury AC, who organises this event on behalf of the local tennis club. The course takes a ¾ mile hill in the first mile but levels off on surfaced roads, it then returns along farm tracks to finish back on the open roads. The weather was extremely hot and most runners were looking for shade where it was available.
As usual the field was very small but was slightly larger than last year with quite a few entries on the day. Eric knocked a sizeable chunk off his Winchester time and felt much better and did well to get the better of Steve who was looking for his scalp again after beating him at Brading. JT was satisfied with his run on a day when conditions were not conducive to fast running.

Approx. 80 Finishers.
WINCHESTER 5km. 17th JULY.
Unfortunately this race clashed with the club handicap but this will be avoided next year. A large field formed up outside the Guild Hall for a popular race which sadly returned to its old route round the Cathedral with it’s tight corners and numerous bollards. Renovation work last year meant that last years race was run over fewer laps, but this meant two climbs up the High Street though the climbing is far more preferable to the congestion we had this year. It meant times were generally slower than last year.
Mark led home the club interest as he put in a late sharpener before jetting off to sunnier climes. When was the last time I was second man home? Sadly I was also the last one with a race I was very pleased with, it was my first for four months and it showed as I faded slightly on the last lap
Jill’s pace judgment was much better as she put in one of her best performances ever on the road. A good start set her on her way and she finished strongly to come home as third lady overall. She was also first in her age group but was so far clear she actually beat all those in the age group below to take home the overall Vets. Prize.
Liz also had a great run to take 6th place overall in the woman’s race and also to win the W50 prize. Gwynetth made a rare outing on the roads to finish 16th lady and finish runner up to Liz in the W50’s. Karen was 19th lady home with a good effort just ahead of Moira who was 24th overall to complete a club 1-2-3 in the W50’s age group. Moira also pointed out that she moves up a group next year and would have been over on minute clear on this years times…..It’s never too late to become a pot hunter.
Also running was Debbie Dickson who it is hoped will now start training with the club if Karen can keep twisting her arm. Sadly there was only one team prize in the ladies event and this went to Basingstoke with Overton second. A successful evening for the ladies with all eyes now looking towards Bushy Park.

202 Finishers.
The following appeal is from JT:
URGENT
OVERTON 5 MILE RACE
The Road Race Committee organising the above event has recently had it’s first meeting with P.C. Paul Green to iron out arrangements for the day, particularly in respect of marshalling and police presence to control traffic and for the protection of the runners.
Due to changes in the course to take in a loop of Charledown and Poultons Roads on each lap, additional marshals will be necessary in that area. In fact we have calculated that some 26 marshals will need to be found to fully cover the whole course.
The point of this note is to appeal to members, who do not intend to run in the race or fun run, to please let JT know as early as possible if they are available and willing to marshal on the 6th September.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO BE ASKED

Club Vest Notice

Club Kit is now available from David Vosser, so if you’re in need of a new vest or you’ve lost weight and need a smaller size give him a shout. Vests are available in all sizes and all colours (well, blue only with a black band) and are £10.00 each.
We do have a few old stock mesh type vests, with no club name but are ideal warm weather training tops for £5.00 (or just make him a reasonable offer).
David can be contacted on 01962 862496 or david.vosser@ntlworld.com.
Brading 10K June 22, from Nicky Clark
A 6.30 wake up call was required on this very wet morning, as the coach was leaving at 7:15 am to catch the 9am ferry to the Isle of Wight. Once we had boarded the ferry it was a very relaxing way to travel to a race. Thankfully the rain had subsided in time for the 11am start as a field of 245ish runners took to the rural country lanes around Brading. The course not being ideal for spectators meant the non-runners had time for a quick cuppa before the first runners returned home. Prior to the race were concerns of a very undulating route and although this was the case it seemed that it wasn’t as bad as was first imagined. Fast times however were not on the cards. Jamie was our first runner home in 8 th place with Keith coming in next with a better than expected run. Cath came in next as 3rd lady followed by Steve with Eric chasing close behind. Cathryn was our 2nd Lady home closely followed by JT. Gwenneth and Moira finished our group both sub 55 mins. After a quick shower it was decided that we should head to Ryde for lunch in a pub or a picnic on the beach. Those with children opted for the latter whilst the others went in search of good food and beer. After our refreshments a go on the swan pedaloes was in order, which finished off tired legs completely. Back on the ferry again just time for a quick cuppa, and although the bus ride was a little bumpy and noisy, many slept off their busy day until we reached home again. Although our great British weather wasn’t in top form all had a great time. It was agreed that this event should stay on our race calendar being the last in the road race league and maybe next year a few more runners and supporters will again be a great day out.
Results:
Jamie Jones 8th 34:49, Cathryn Tayler 186th 50:14
Keith Clark 36th 38:10 John Thomas 190th 50:35
Cath Wheeler 3rd Lady 39:24 Gwyneth Mclaughlin 196th 51:32
Steve McNair 102nd 43:04 Moira West 209th 53:35
Eric Tilbury 111th 43:33
 
FROM THE CLUB CAPTAIN’S ARCHIVES : 25YEARS AGO
Southern League Results Maidenhead July 22nd 1978
What was happening back in July 1978? Louise Brown, the first test tube baby was born on the 25th and the Harriers were busy preparing for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. Who remembers our track Gold medallists? – Alan Wells/Dave Moorcroft/ Brendan Foster/ and that chap Daley Thompson won his first Gold. Ladies gold’s included Paula Fudge, Donna Hartley (I remember her!) Sonia Lannaman and Mary Stewart.
However some cracking performance were going on at Maidenhead and we were well placed in the League (Division 4 of course). Only two wins on the track but seven on the field. Many of the names I’m sure you will recognise.: –

Committee Meeting 14/07/03

Present: G. Cloke, M. Dennison, N. Clark, C. Wheeler, P. Wheeler, G. Mclaughlin.
Matters Arising.
1) Brading race. Went well, saved £50 by using a smaller bus. Thanks to Nicky and Keith. Cost to the club was £107.
2) Re-cycling of trophies. Some have started to turn up.
3) Hants Road race League.. Have joint, Overton race of season.
4) Cross Country. Geoff has spoken to J. Popperwell. We have been told to hold the race in January even though we pointed out state of ground.
5) Purchase of Marshall’s bibs, Mark has this in hand.
Treasures Report.
Income £842.24
Expenditure £762.27
Current £1088.08
Reserve £1693.87
Secretaries Report
1) Hazel White from Barker Son & Isherwood has spoken to Gwyneth wishing to sponsor us financially. Discussions over what items we could have with their name on. Sweatshirts with the name for all club members was a possibility. Gwyneth to go back and discuss amounts for on going sponsorship.
2) Letter from Sports Council requesting payment. This has been taken care of.
 
AOB.
1) Southern League Meeting August 2nd. Helpers needed, and caterers.
2) Training on July 31st need to use Town Meadow, due to football at the rec.
3) Overton 5 Paul and John to meet the police 15/07/03. Evening event needs to be sorted.
4) Handicap this month does not appear to be the return match with Basingstoke. Next months handicap will be followed by a BBQ, with bring your own food to cook. Bread provided.
5) Josh Bliss was featured on recent television programme called exchange.
Meeting closed at 9.32 p.m.
Date of next meeting 18/08/03
ENGLISH SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS – SHEFFIELD – JULY 11&12 from Mike
These champs are the largest schools sporting event in the world. The two days involve 140 heats and 60 finals, for a total of 2000 competitors, representing 44 counties.The organisation in the stadium alone was amazing,(let alone the accomodation and transport, etc) with each event running exactly to time. No sooner had one race finished, than the gun went for the next race. The giant electronic scoreboard was ready each time, showing the name, county, runners number and lane drawer, for each race, and which stayed displayed throughout the race, and not just a quick flash…ooh missus! About 25 mins later, the full results and times and qualifiers from the heats, was quickly shown between races.The athletes warmed up in the brand new (finished especially for these champs) indoor athletics arena, next to the Don Valley stadium. 15 mins before the start time they were escorted into the marshalling area in the stadium. About 10 mins before the race, they were escorted around the track to the start area, where they changed into their spikes and were issued lane-drawer leg numbers to put on. The athletes put their warm up clothes and trainers into their own box and their own school-children volunteer carried it back to the finish area, ready for them after the race. At the end of the current race, they were allowed onto the track for one stride out, before lining up and the start.Josh’s heat was on the Friday at 16.29 (not 16.30 or 16.25,for example), and not one race was late starting, certainly for all the time we were present, though one started about 2 mins early (shock, horror!).The championships are the equivalent of three olympic athletics events (3 age groups, boys and girls), held in just two days. To run exactly to time, was astounding.
Josh’s event, the Junior boys 1500m, 25 runners had qualified having achieved the entry standard of 4.22sec. 13 were in the first heat with 12, including Josh, in the second heat.There were Only 10 places in the final the following morning, so qualifying would be tough, with the first 3 from each heat, plus 4 fastest losers. The first heat was won in 4.16sec, and the seventh finisher being about 4.22sec. Josh had only ran faster than this once, when he was third in the Southern AAA champs. The silver medallist from those champs, could only finish 6th in that first heat,in 2.21sec. Things did not look too good for Josh during the race. Afterwards, he said that his legs felt heavy, the wind was quite strong, and that he felt like giving up after 2 laps.This was because at the end of the first lap, he was last, about 5 metres behind, even though he went through in 67sec. After 2 laps there was still a gap of about 5 metres to the next lad, with the leaders a long way ahead. At the bell this was still the same, but around the bend and back straight he got past a couple. With 200m to go, Josh was transformed,and he suddenly appeared to be a Steve Ovett against an Eric Tilbury. He shot by some around the bend but was still only about 7th entering the finishing straight. He didn’t die however, finished faster than any of them, and crossed the line almost level with the third placed runner, but still only 4th, and out of the automatic qualifying position. Probably the first time all season, my own timing from the other side of the stadium, by the 1500m start, proved to be accurate, and my congratulations to him on making the final were not premature,(Julie wishes it was always the case). His official time was 4.18.07 secs. A PB by ½ a second, and ultimately, almost 4 secs quicker than the 10th qualifer. In fact, he ended up only ½ sec.behind the winner and was the 6th fastest qualifier for the final. Not bad for what for most of the race appeared to be a struggle, against the wind, and running on his own.
Talking with Geoff that evening after Josh had qualified, (a phone call via Gwynneth, who must have thought she was dealing with a pervert, until we both realised I had phoned the wrong number), we both thought that the final would be run the same way, fast from the start, and that Josh would have to run a faster first lap to try and stay closer to the leaders. However, If it was slow and tactical, we thought Josh would have to try and take the lead and push the pace, as he appears to run better off a fast pace. When we got to the stadium the next morning, apparently the Hampshire Team Managers had also said the same thing to Josh, and one of them was going to take him to the indoor warm up track to ensure that he warmed up properly, to hopefully get away quicker when the gun went. Unfortunately, this concern to prepare Josh for the final had not extended to Josh himself. When we got there at 10.20am, with the final at 11.28, we found that he had not eaten anything since the previous evening. The Team Managers had knocked on his door at 7.00am, to wake him for breakfast, but he went back to sleep. He awoke to his alarm at 7.40am, with the coach leaving for the stadium at 7.45am. He didn’t think (or nerves made him forget) to get something at the stadium when he got there. Luckily Julie had a nice pair,(Jamie said so!) and we thought that would be easily digestible and basically fructose, for some quick energy.
I think Julie and I, (Geoff was well out of it back in Whitchurch) were more nervous than Josh as he lined up. We felt a bit better after the first 100m, when Josh was safetly in the group of runners and not at the back as usual. At the end of the first lap though, when I saw that it was 71 secs,I was more concerned as it was slow. At the end of the second lap, it was still slow, with all the runners together and Josh trapped on the inside in the middle of the group. When, approaching the bell, nothing had changed, we really were worried for Josh, as this was not the fast pace he seemed best at. As the bell sounded, 4 runners sprinted away, opened a gap, and which ultimately saw them finish in the first four positions. With 300m to go, Josh was leading the rest of the group, with them seemingly poised on his shoulder waiting to sprint past. Some of you keen athletics fans, old enough to be members of the ‘old gits club’, may remember the olympic final where the double 5000m/10,000m Olympic champion, the great Finnish runner, Lasse Viren, led the race, gradually increasing the pace over the last few laps, and holding off all challengers and so called faster sprinters, to win. Josh reciprocated this in the last 300m. He appeared to stretch out down the back straight, and although some runners had pulled out into the second and third lanes to overtake, none came by. Around the final bend and in the last 100m, one after another different rivals tried to get passed him, but each time Josh seemed to be able to find that little bit more to hold them off. Again, like in the heat, he ran a storming last 200m in particular, something he hasn’t really shown in his other races this season, to finish a fantastic fifth.
His time was 4.19.48, his third fastest ever time, and that achieved after a ‘slow’ first three laps. He beat all the runners that had beaten him in his heat, and had finished one place higher, than his sixth fastest qualifying position suggested. He also showed that he can run well in a tactical and slower race, and has got a good sprint finish. And he showed again that he can produce the goods when it matters, at the major championships. Geoff and I are chuffed at his performances at these championships, and they can be put in perspective by that of the rest of the Hampshire team, where in all age groups, boys and girls, they only won five medals in total. Josh wasn’t far off a sixth. Typical Josh though. Immediately afterwards, he was disappointed, as he had not run a PB. He also said that he had felt comfortable up to the bell and didn’t really know why he did not sprint off with the leaders. Looking back, he thought he was capable of doing so. It was a pleasant surprise, and Josh felt better, to find that it was not just the first three that got medals, the podium was for the first six. Josh was awarded with a certificate in the centre of the home straight in front of the packed main stand. Following this presentation, he took part in the parade, where all the teams marched into the stadium, wearing their team kit, behind the team captains carrying the county standard, with them all lining up on the centre-field for the national anthem.
Josh was brought down to earth, literally, when we got home. It was his 14th birthday on the Thursday he travelled up to Sheffield with the Hampshire team. His loving parents had bought him a new bike, but, half jokingly, suggested he shouldn’t ride it until after the championships in case he injured himself. We got back on the Saturday, seven hours after his final. Eight hours after his final he had fallen off his bike and broken his wrist. Not just a ‘common’ break, but the same as David Beckham, the Scaphoid (?) bone. Still, with his arm in a cast for 4-6 weeks, he will have an enforced ‘easy’ period between the track season and the autumn road and relay races! Well done Josh!

SOUTHERN LEAGUE Division 4 West MATCH 5 @ Southampton 12th July 2003

Match Report by David Vosser
Steve McNair breaks new world record
I am delighted to report that Steve McNair has finally made it, yes he has set a new world record. The first man ever to compete in every southern league event. Steve set this record in front of a small but knowledgeable crowd at the famous Southampton track when he stood in for the injured Simon Morgan to throw the Javelin. Steve has been competing for the Harriers at Southern League matches for a good few years and his “me I’ll do anything attitude” has earned him this record. Well-done Steve. Can it ever be beaten?
An excellent all-round performance has secured us Division 4 competition next year. James Coney (aka Harry Rednap) again used his contacts to introduce another new member Phil Noska to the club who gained two excellent 2nd places in the Javelin and Shot.
This was Team Solent’s home fixture and they have struggled so far this year, however they managed to field a strong sprint and field side ensuring a small victory of only 81/2 points over us. Our points total of 142.5 was by far our best performance of the year.
Notable performances came from Dave Bush (400m Hurdles 1st, 200m,Long Jump, High Jump, Pole Vault, Triple Jump 1st, 4X1 and 4×4!) making a welcome return to the team and Jeremy Reynolds who is also a real points accumulator covering the Long Jump 1st, High Jump, Triple Jump 1st, 110 Hurdles 1st and Discus.
Ian Ford and Jamie Jones literally ran away from the opposition in the 5k. Keith Clark picked up a win in the 800m and 2nd in the 1500m. The Steeple also earned us maximum points with Keith Vallis and Mark Simcox making his first track appearance this year