Another Home venue meet. A big thanks to everyone who set up the events. It’s no easy task and we look forward to everyone helping set up or pack up on Nov 16. Also thank you to our Helpers and officials. Without these volunteers, we don’t have a competition.
After 3 rounds, Essendon is well placed on top of the Premier Division, 7 points ahead of Box Hill with Sandringham and Diamond Valley a further 4 points back. We won round 3 by a whooping 8000 points! Our success has been mainly due to the great results of our juniors and Mens 40+. Our M16 & M18 topped the entire state, pulling in over 13500 points. The M40+ were 2nd across the state and the M14 were third to round out our best teams. All our teams (with one exception) are in the top 3 of their Yellow Zone divisions. The M20 and M16 sit on top of their Age Ladders after 3 rounds, while the M14s are sitting 2nd. The M40+ team are in third place, ready to pounce.
In the worst conditions for many years we had some great results with a number of PBs. The 200s were run into a head wind of up to -4! Linda Caligiuri hit 463 points for her 200m, while Matt Cameron (24.86, 437 pts), Melissa Foster (27.44, 435 pts) and Under 16 Sam Dite (27.58) all added to our sprint strength. Great to see so many new members doing well.
The 800s saw PBs to Michael Martello, Patrick Stewart, Noah Hijazi, Zac Hijazi and Christian Knox (also a Triple PB). Big runs from Josh Tracy (2:04.8, 487 points), Arron Downes (2:08.8, 478 pts) and Lachie Attard (2:06.8). Charlotte Jackson ran a very smart race, to record 2:32.5 (449 pts), while Stella McNamara scooted around in 2:21 for 409 pts.
The distance events split the program with the 5000 up first & the 3000 on as the sun was setting…yes there was some sunshine by 6pm! Neil Stewart ran his first track event for the club after a solid XCR season, while other oldies, Jeff Jones and Danny Hawksworth pulled in good points over the 5 k event. Without doubt it was the battle over 3000m between Archie Noakes (M16, 9:20. 500 points), Brody Thrum (M18 9:19.4, 471 pts) and Lachie Attard (9:48, 416) which proved to be one of the highlights of the day on the track
Around the track our club was dominating the high jump across the state with the top 7 (and 10 of the best 13) jumpers wearing Essendon colours. Harry Orr (1,75m, 509 pts) lead the way from Richard Brophy (1.55m, 501 pts), Thomas Sims (1.70, 494 pts), Jack Walsh (1.80, 480 pts) and Robert Massey (1.80m, 449 pts). The strength in this group will help us in the Round 13 “final”. The club’s other great strength is the triple jump. This week Emily Portaro (12.14, 514) showed the way from Cooper Cavallo (12.96, 490) and Melissa Foster (11.39, 479). The big battle in the sand was between the Baynes, Katie V dad Graeme. While Graeme jumped 8.04m to edge out Katie (7.92m), it was youth which won the points battle by just 21.
Kevin Healy fell just shy of 60m in the hammer; he must have had at least 4 rotations in the ring before letting go. His massive throw had the high jumpers looking over their shoulders! Kevin also competed in the shot put for a combined 986 points in just 2 events.
Special mention to Kim Walsh who helped at the high jump for most of the day but still managed an impressive 8.22m in the shot.
Meanwhile at Yarra Ranges, Hannah Brodie (33.50, 482 pts), Orla McCarthy (30.35, 460 pts) and Victoria Entwistle – Hardeman (33.20m, 451) were cleaning up in the discus.
Busy days for Joanna Margiolis (triple, 200, 800, shot and a relay) as well as being one of the last to leave after helping to put all our gear back. Justin McLaren also had a big day (200, 800, 5000 and triple) and helped Dad Don set up the hammer event.
Round 4 is Relays Round so it’s time to start organising your teams. Teams can be entered online or on the day.
Our next event at Aberfeldie is Nov 16 and we have lots of duties to fill – ask if you can help please.
Vale John Higham OAM
