Club Championships

Badly attended is on way of describing the Club championships that took place last Thursday although enough fun was had by those that did show up to make up for those that didn't. Yours truly came out overal mens combined events winner only being defeated in the long jump by a very casual Patrick Saunders who leapt 5.03 from 60cm behind the board without a warmup....


As member of Crusaders League Final 3rd place winning 4x400m relay team I was always going to have an advantage over the Marathoners and hardcore hill runners in the 200m. After head official Jimmy O'Neil's suggestion of a handicap was rejected, a good start and a sharp eye over my shouulder brought me home ahead of Don who challenged late.

Again my official Crusaders Senior Mens League Final Javelin thrower status put the onus on challenger Alan O'Keefe to produce 'goods'. After initial 1st round worry when the gap was only 2 metres, and the shame of my second throw being described as having a 'big gay runup' by O'Rourke, my third throw of 38.87 (possibly a PB) brought me well clear of challenge.

In the 800m the possible outcomes were many. The line was toed gingerly by the 4 competing athletes, all none to thrilled about having to run the long/short (depending) distance. Alan O'Keefe lead out the 1st lap in 63 seconds. I kept a close watch but the prolonged middle distance pace lost O'Rourke and Don who at this stage were pining for a 5km road race. Feeling smooth and thinking of the clock I threw the gauntlet down (can't remember why I decided to carry it in the first place) and took the lead. I didn't shake O'Keefe but managed to stay ahead to finish in a seasons best/only time. O'Keefe pushed his 2:05 PB to the limit but the relatively slow first lap probably didn't help the cause.

The long jump turned out to be the ugliest event of all. After the 800m O'Keefe and I were dead-legged. Jacqui jumped out to distance almost beating her previous seasons best but as already mentioned Saunders, who was fresh thanks to the absence of coach Ryder, dominated the lactic-riddled runners.

The event was great fun and I will be back to defend next season and I will again beat all-comers (or should that be no-showers)!

Official Results
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200m
1. Hugo Leeney 26.5
2. Don 26.9
3. Alan 27.26
4. Shane O'Rourke 30.73
5. Jacqui 31.35

Javelin
1. Hugo Leeney 38.87
2. Alan 27.50
3. Shane O'Rourke 22.92
4. Don 19.60
5. Jacqui 11.94

800m
1. Hugo Leeney 2:03.9
2. Alan 2:06.2
3. Don 2:23.6
4. Shane O'Rourke 2:26.0

Long Jump (After the 800m! BAD IDEA)
1. Patrick Saunders 5.03m
2. Hugo 4.38m
3. Alan 4.13m
4. Jacqui 3.81m