Skinner is back! (From News Shopper)

Skinner is back!

7:16am Monday 1st October 2012 in Sport By Pat Calnan

Michael Skinner overcame a recent hamstring strain to finish in 5th place in the Admiral Swansea Bay 10km. In a field of over 3000 runners, the Blackheath & Bromley athlete timed 30.21 and was the first Briton to finish behind four Kenyan athletes, led home by Dominic Onduro.

Competing in Wales meant he had to miss racing in the Southern 6 Stage Road Relays at Aldershot, however, even if he had run, it is unlikely the mens team would have qualified for the National Road Relay final next month. They finished a disappointing 43rd with first leg runner Peter Tucker the fastest with a time of 19.53. The National relay won’t take place at it’s traditional venue at Sutton Park because of an outbreak of e-coli. An alternative venue is being sought.

Among those unavailable was Alex Bruce Littlewood who not only is out in the United States, but also his girlfriend was giving birth. Also abroad, Colin Norris and Ben Cockburn were in action in the World Duathlon championships at Nancy in France. Colin finished in 6th place in the 25 to 29 years age group in 1.56.34. Ben was 9th in the 20-24 years age group. He was just outside 2 hours with 2.00.24.

Back at Aldershot, the Senior women finished in 30th place but, with no qualifying standard, they are able to compete in the National Relay. Captain Jane Bradshaw was the quickest on leg one in 14.51 with Amber Reed, Sarah Dowling and Hannah Garcia completing the scoring team.

Best performance in the younger age groups came from the under 15 girls where the trio of Shannon Riskey, Niamh Bridson Hubbard and Jessica Keene finished in an excellent 6th place. Their times were remarkably consistent with Shannon and Niamh clocking 11.23 and Jessica 11.20. Showing good strength in depth the B team of Leah Everson, Georgina Taylor and Mary Guy finished in 26th and the C team of Joanna Clowes, Chloe Kibblewhite and Molly Dent were 68th.

In the under 17s age group the womens team of Anna Myers, Lucy Sidey and Sonia Woolhouse were 25th and Will Fuller, Will Ruiz, Tom Desborough and Richard Webb finished in 26th for the men.

The under 15 boys team of Anthony Cabellero, Marco Arcuri, Josh Davidson and Charlie Davis were 33rd.

Jake Potter was the 11th fastest athlete of the day in the under 13 boys race. He timed 10.42 in coming in 8th place on the opening stage. George Pope, Harrison Parker and Joe Smith completed the scoring quartet who finished in 16th.

The 6th Jim Day Memorial Pole Vault competition took place at Sutton Arena. Remembering the Club’s former President it was an all day extravaganza with 100 athletes in action with 97lifetime best clearances achieved by 44 athletes. Among these was Helena Coleman who set a new best of 3.12 in the under 17 womens competition.

Mariette Terrisse Hilborne won the Senior Womens event with a clearance of 3.82, a fine effort after her end of season rest. The latest Bromley 5km Parkrun had added spice last Saturday as it included an unofficial Mob Match between the Club and Croydon Striders. Peter Tucker won the race in 17.12 with Finton Parkinson 3rd and Dan Marks 9th. First woman to finish was Sarah Elmquist in 61st with Sarah Belaon 63rd and Justine Eastbury 69th. Scoring 29 runners a team, B&B won by 231 points, 971 to 740.

As stated earlier, Pete Tucker was in action the following day at the Southern Road Relays and Finton Parkinson and Justine Eastbury raced too at the Tonbridge Half Marathon. Finton was 11th in 81.59 while Justine was 154th in 98.46. As the Club caters for all disciplines, (including cross country, road and track and field), in all age groups, from under 13s upwards to the Masters age groups, it always welcome new members. The Club has a Competition Policy which aims to provide appropriate levels of competition to all athletes of all abilities.

For further information on your particular interest please e-mail enquiries@bandbhac.org.uk Alternatively leave details on the Club answer phone service on 020 8462 3115. For all the latest Club news visit the website at www.bandbhac.org.uk