Last Saturday saw a small piece of Athletics History as Blackheath & Bromley hosted the first ever UK Womens League match at Norman Park. It had the right result as well with the hosts avoiding relegation from the Premier Division.

With the top 8 teams in the country competing, it was always going to be a tough match but this did not stop Serita Solomon and Izzy Jeffs winning the 100 metre hurdles and javelin competitions respectively. The javelin provided one of the other dramas of the day as the meeting was held up when one of the officials was speared in the leg.

Also in the field Shaunagh Brown scored big points in the throws with runner up spots in both the shot and hammer with distances of 15.96 and 60.62. She was also 5th in the discus with 47.92.

It was a difficult day for Montell Douglas who was disqualified for a false start in the 100 metres and then picked up an injury running the non scoring race. This ended her day.

Although they were some way off winning their events, both Danielle Critchley and Kate Curran achieved personal bests. Danielle timed 2.14.59 in the 800 while Kate improved to 4.52.63 in the 1500. In the field Jackie Montgomery also set a new best in the pole vault, clearing 2.50 to finish second in the B string competition.

Super vet Clare Elms showed again why she has been such an important higher claim athlete this season as she ran both the 800 and 3000 setting a seasons best of 2.17.81 in the former.

Earlier this year she broke Jennie Butler’s over 35s 1500 Club record and Jennie also exceeded her previous record with 4.52.63. Seasons bests were also achieved by Savannah Echel Thompson (400), Serita Solomon (200), Christine Lyston (High jump) and Rachel Arnheim (pole vault).

It was, however, a very close match and as the afternoon neared its close Shaftesbury Barnet, who at the start of the day were in a relegation position, led by a small margin. This would have meant Blackheath & Bromley would have been relegated. Thankfully a shuffling of the match positions saw Shaftesbury slip from the top and B&B’s 6th place meant they finished in 5th for the season.

Team manager Brendan McShane was delighted with the result. This was his last match in charge as he has to step down due to work commitments.

For all the latest Club news visit the website at www.bandbhac.org.uk