Athletics NSW State 10,000m & Open/U18 Championships – Feb 8th to 10th, 2008.

The weekend of Friday to Sunday, February 8 th to 10th, 2008 saw the staging Athletics NSW State Open 10,000m championships at SOPAC, Homebush, NSW. This was also accompanied by the NSW State Open and Under 18 State Titles over a full three days and nights of action.

Blue Mountains Athletics Club fielded a team of three athletes for the 10,000m. These were James Perrett, James Barnes and Hollie Emery.

David Ricketts, Vanessa Ebejer and Michael Cox were also in action in the Open and Under 18 Championships.

Blue Mountains Athletics Club came home with gold and two silver medals rewarded. Gold went to Hollie in the Open 10,000m, silver to David Ricketts in the 1500m and the same to James Barnes in the 55-59 10,000m.

The showpiece events were the men's and women's 10,000 Open State Championships. The men's event was held on Friday evening and the ladies event was held one day later.

We begin with ladies 10,000m action, where late on Saturday night that was perfect for distance running, Hollie Emery took the State Open Title with a debut time for the 10,000m track in 35.18.67. In a tactical race that was lead by Jenny Truscott of Sydney Striders for almost 7k, the leading pack of Truscott, Emery and Anita Keem of Wollongong , crawled at a pedestrian pace through 5k in a time of 18 minutes. This leading pack of three ladies continued at this pace until the race burst into life at 7k. It was from here that Hollie ripped out a 9.47 final 3k to romp home first. Second place went to Keem and third to Truscott.

Male 10,000m action saw the appearance of Blue Mountains athlete James Perrett who was seeking to run a sub 33 minutes effort for the first time. This athlete was soon out to a fast start with the pack. However, the pack had other ideas and Perrett found himself cut adrift from the leading pack and running alone. Perrett came home in the competitive time of 34.57.10, which was a good effort, given he ran alone for half of it. This race was won by Lee Troop of Victoria with Russell Chin of Sydney University taking second place. Both these runners eased well under 30 minutes.

In the same race, masters' athlete James Barnes made his way to the start-line with big expectations of his performance. Barnes came home with the silver medal, a big PB and Club record for the 55-59 years event. Barnes would cross the line in a time of 41.02.34 to take the State silver medal. This athlete trailed the back-markers of the race for long periods before coming home with a fast 800m at the end of the race.

Walls action saw Vanessa Ebejer in action in the 5000m Walk. Vanessa came home in 10th place in a time of 27.05.14. This race was won by a top class visiting English athlete, Jo Jackson who took the first place in the superb time of 25 minutes.

Middle distance star David Ricketts was entered in both the 800m and 1500m. He took lane #1 for the under 18 800m. In a big PB, and the more impressive performances of the two, he raced sub two minutes for the first time. This athlete came home in sixth place in 1.59.74. This athlete ran in the leading pack for most of the race before coming under the pump from Joshua Johnson of Randwick Botany and eventual winner Michael Todd of Ryde. In the under 18 1500, David ran a superb 4.12.38 to take silver medal in the under 18 1500m. Again Todd took the gold.

In the open high jump, Michael Cox leapt 1.85 meters to take eighth place.

The team for the record was Hollie Emery, Vanessa Ebejer, James Barnes, David Ricketts, Michael Cox, and James Perrett. The Club would like to thank all the athletes/parents that filled the first two rows of Bay 13 for making the trip to support the Club.

ANSW State 5000m 2nd February 2008 SOPAC, Homebush, NSW

The weekend of Saturday February 2 nd 2008 saw the staging Athletics NSW State Open 5000m championships at SOPAC, Homebush, NSW.

This annual showpiece of distance running in NSW pitted the best open athletes in competition for State medals over 12 ½ laps.

Blue Mountains Athletics Club fielded a team of four athletes at this prestigious meet. These were Earl O'Brien, James Perrett, James Barnes and Hollie Emery.

The format of this meet saw two men's races scheduled which included a ‘B' race and then the championship event. This was later followed by the female championship race.

We begin with the female championship race where Hollie Emery sought to make her competitive debut on the track over 5000m. In what many athletes would consider perfect conditions for running, with minimal wind and comfortable temperatures, Hollie Emery took her position on the start line with the other 16 female athletes.

In a race that would be eventually won by Emma Rilen of Sydney University , Hollie put in a masterly display of controlled running to take the silver medal behind Emma in a PB of 16.51.53. This race broke open after six laps when Hollie and Bridey Delaney of St George broke away from the chasing pack. Hollie ground out a series of 80 second laps to take a much deserved second place and claim a place on the podium. The first three positions were Emma Rilen of Sydney University , Hollie Emery of Blue Mountains and Bridey Delaney of St George respectively.

The 5000m men's ‘B' race had seen a display of front running from James Perrett who ran in a leading pack of three for most of the race. James then came under pressure from the fourth placed runner from Randwick Botany as he sought to secure his third place. Perrett later held this with a big kick on the last lap to come home in 16.23.48.

Also in this race was Blue Mountains masters athlete James Barnes. This athlete was in good form with a controlled pace throughout the race. Barnes came home in a PB of 19.31.62. This performance also saw him break the club record for 5000m.

We report last on the men's championship race where Earl O' Brien made a start. This athlete ground out a superb 15.30.03 for 11th place in a performance that saw him running in the chasing pack behind Jeff Hunt of Randwick Botany and Anthony Haber of the ACT. Hunt would later take out this race as first NSW athlete with a big last lap although Haber was first across the line.

Preceding the 5000m, the meet had seen inter club action where club athletes put in some good performances.

In under 18 sprints action, Jenna Heath put in a 14.46 in the 100mm and a 29.03 in the 200m. Open 400m action saw David Parkes romp home first in 54.25. In under 18 action in the same event, David Ricketts ran 54.97 secs. David had preceded this with a 25.27 200m performance. In female 400m open action, Anna Collier came home in 61.59.

The team for the record was Hollie Emery, James Barnes, David Ricketts, Earl O'Brien, Jenna Heath, Anna Collier, James Perrett and David Parkes.

ANSW Inter Club 24th January 2008 SOPAC, Homebush, NSW

With the Athletics NSW Country Championships set for the weekend of January 26 th /27 th , 2008 at Newcastle, Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes took to the track for a rare midweek Inter Club meet, on January 24th, 2008 at Homebush.

Hot off his 2.00.01 800m effort from last Saturday evening, David Ricketts moved up to the open 1500m where he set a super time of 4.01.22 with a sixth placed effort. Followers off this middle distance star should stay tuned over the next few weeks to see if he goes sub 2min for the 800m before he goes sub 4 mins for the 1500m.

We next report on the two youngest members of the team where Maddy Gleeson and Chris Ollenrenshaw were in action. Maddy turned in a huge PB in the under 18 1500m with a time of 5.24.15 and third place. Chris competing in the under 18 2000m steeplechase took second place in a PB time of 7.54.44 which is also the first time that he has been under 8 minutes for this event.

Christie Pearson was in action in the open 400m where she recorded a 61.16 sec time for sixth place.

Finally, James Barnes in the masters 1500m ran a 5.17.32 time to take sixth place.

The team for the record was Christie Pearson, James Barnes, David Ricketts, Chris Ollenrenshaw and Maddy Gleeson

ANSW Inter Club 18th January 2008 SOPAC, Homebush, NSW

Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes took to the track for the Inter Club meet, scheduled for January 18th, 2008 at Homebush.

Despite a day of torrential rain, the synthetic track showed little evidence of the downpour with most of the rain having drained away.

With the Athletics NSW State 5k and 10k Championships just a few weeks away, Blue Mountains athletes took the opportunity to sharpen up their speed with the running of the 800m.

We begin the travails of middle distance star, David Ricketts who has for most of this season been looking to perform sub 2 minutes for the 800m. Again this athlete was in fine form at Homebush in the two lap event, and he came home with a big kick to finish in 2.00.01. As the proverb goes, ‘if you don't succeed first time, then try, try again'. David will have to find an extra 2/100ths of a second to go under 2 minutes next time over 800m. Running the same race, Earl O'Brien also found himself very close to going under 2 minutes when he ground out a superb 2.00.37 effort in torrential rain.

Female 800m action saw Blue Mountains middle distance stars hit the track, with Melinda Vernon, Hollie Emery and Christie Pearson all lining up.

Melinda has been in fine form recently with her Sydney Track Classic 1500m victory last weekend, and she lined up with Hollie in the Open 800m.

The 800m can be a physically challenging event, as runners all seek the inside lane at the crossover cones. Both these athletes got fine starts to the crossover. However, it was then that their fortunes went in opposite directions. Melinda and Chloe Tighe of Campbelltown both clashed and tumbled in the back-straight as runners jostled for prime position. As the rest of the pack steered clear of the carnage, Hollie came home in fourth place in her heat with a PB of 2.14.43. Melinda recovered and entered the second 800m heat to record an excellent 2.13.00 effort and second place.

Making her Inter Club debut was Chris tie Pearson who took first place in the under 18 800m with a commanding 2.17.97 performance. This athlete dominated this race from the gun and front ran this two lap effort.

The meet had commenced with the sprints and Daniel Baranowski came home in 16 th place in 11.57 secs. He later warmed up for next week's Country Championships with a 6.52 meter long jump.

The last event of the evening saw James Barnes record a 19.36.88 effort in the masters 5000m.

ANSW Sydney Track Classic 12th January 2008 SOPAC, Homebush, NSW

Saturday night of January 12th, 2008, saw the Sydney Track Classic roll in Homebush for the biggest meet of the 2008 year so far. Blue Mountains Athletics Club athlete Melinda Vernon took her nominated place on the female 1500m starting lineup.

The female 1500m field for this event contained race favorite and NSW 3000m champion, Chloe Tighe. It also contained Lara Tamsett the Australian national under 20, 3000m champion from last month and Marje te Raa from the Netherlands . However, the field had not reckoned with the current 10,000m Australian national champion, Melinda Vernon, who turned in a stunning front running performance to take first place in a time of 4.22.18.

The race was taken out by the designated race pacemaker, Renee Van Den Berg who took Melinda out to an early lead. As the race unfolded, this lead increased with the pacemaker dropping out. By the end of the third lap, the alarm bells rang for the chasing pack of Tighe & Tamsett, realizing that they had left themselves too much to do. Melinda turned up the volume on the last lap to record a comfortable victory. Melinda adds the Sydney Classic championship title to her Zatopek 10,000m title won in Melbourne last month.

Earlier Inter Club action had seen Blue Mountains athletes in action in hot and windy conditions. In the Open 800m, Hollie Emery put in a big PB to take third place in a time of 2.16.20 behind Amy Neville of Randwick and winner, Renee Van Den Berg of UTS Norths. In masters 800m action, James Barnes put in a 2.40 effort.

Making his debut in the under 18 400m hurdles, Campbell Hislop turned in a club record performance of 67.60 secs to take third place over the one lap event. This athlete had little difficulty negotiating ten flights of hurdles in his debut in this event.

Making a welcome return to Inter Club action was Tahlia Nugent, who took first place in the Open high jump with a jump of 1.50m. Tamika Bostock in the under 18 high finished sixth with a 1.40m leap.

In 3000m walks action, Chris Ollenrenshaw ground out a big one minute PB with a 17 minute effort.

The team for the record was Hollie Emery, Campbell Hislop, James Barnes, Melinda Vernon, Chris Ollenrenshaw, Tamika Bostock and Tahlia Nugent.

ANSW Allcomers Round 3: 05 January 2008 at Campbelltown

The first Inter Club meet of the 2008 year saw the staging of the Athletics NSW State Steeplechase Championships on Saturday January 5th, 2008.

Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes took the opportunity to compete at this meet. The standout performance of the steeplechase came from Blue Mountains athlete James Perrett, who claimed the state title and gold medal in the under 23 age group with a time of 10.21.63. In a race that was initially dominated by Jordan Smith of UTS Norths, Perrett moved to the front of the under 23 race to take both the club record and a PB. In the under 16 steeplechase, Chris Ollenrenshaw took fifth place with a time of 8.09.48.

In Open 1500m action, Melinda Vernon continued her recent fine form in a time of 4.25.10. Based on this performance, Melinda will line up this Saturday at the Sydeny Track Classic 1500m at SOPAC, Homebush.

In other 1500m action, David Ricketts took second place in the Open 1500m with a time of 4.10.30. He was followed home by Earl O’Brien in with 4.15.58 for third and Edward O’Brien with a time of 4.30.70 in seventh place. Taylor Wild took fifth place with a time of 5.42.33 in the under 18, 1500m.

In sprints action, Daniel Baranowski put in one of his best efforts for some months with an 11.41 performance in the Open 100m. Stefan Scheurmair took 13th place in the same 100m with a time of 12.11 and took 13th place in the 200m with a time of 24.67.

In female sprints, Jenna Heath took second place in a time of 14.37 in the under 18 100m. She later followed this with a 29.73 effort in the 200m. Also competing, and making her Inter Club debut, Carrie Johnston took fifth place with a 15.96 performance.

The team for the record was James Perrett, James Barnes, Edward O’Brien, Earl O’Brien, David Ricketts, Chris Ollenrenshaw, Carrie Johnston, Melinda Vernon, Stefan Scheurmair, Taylor Wild and Jenna Heath.

ANSW Club Premiership Round 5: 01 December 07 at SOPAC

Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes took to the track for the seventh Inter Club meet of the summer track season on Saturday, December 1st, 2007.

With the national championships scheduled for this Thursday, December 6th to 9th, 2007, a small team took the opportunity for a hit-out over the shorter distances to build their speed for next week.

Tuning up for her 3000m, Hollie Emery turned in a 4.43.50 Open 1500m performance to take out eighth place in a race won by Nikki Molan of Sydney University.

James Barnes also went to the start line of the masters’ 1500m where he recorded a 5.13.72 for a 12th place out of 14 starters.

In other masters’ action, Nestor Porley took ninth in the 200m with a time of 29.37 secs and seventh in the 400m with a time of 1.08.68.

Also taking time to warm up for next week’s 1500m and 3000m, David Ricketts ran a 54.24 secs in the open 400m to take sixth place. Daniel Baldacchino took 12th place in the under 17 400m in a time of 58.24 secs.

The team for the record was Hollie Emery, David Ricketts, Daniel Baldacchino, Nestor Porley and James Barnes.

ANSW Club Premiership Round 4: 24 November 07 at Bankstown & Randwick

Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes took to the track for the sixth Inter Club meet of the summer track season on Saturday, November 24th, 2007.

The meet was split scheduled across two synthetic tracks at E.S. Marks Field, Randwick and The Crest at Bankstown. Both these tracks offered a different selection of events.

We begin at Randwick, where David Parkes, Hollie Emery, Campbell Hislop and James Barnes were all in action.

In the opening event of the day, middle distance star David Parkes had his last opportunity to qualify for the Athletics Australia National Championships by achieving a 1.58 performance. David came home in a two lap time of 2.02.47 and was disappointed with his effort.

In the Open 5000m, Hollie Emery ran a 17.26.87 to take first place and consign Greta Truscott of Randwick Botany into second place and Alexis McKillop of the same club into third place. In a race that she rarely runs on the track, Hollie was only six seconds outside of her Club record. However, the Club masters’ 5000m record did fall to James Barnes who recorded a big PB with a workmanlike 19.33.51 effort to go under 20 minutes for the first time.

In 200m action, junior sprinter Campbell Hislop was in great form with a 26.16 secs PB effort. He later followed this in the afternoon with a 5.20 meter long jump effort.

Team members that traveled to this meet were privileged to see the Australia under 18 national 5000m male record fall in the last event of the day. In a great display of distance running, Ryan Gregson of Kembla took down the record from 14.20 to 14.14.35 with a super display. He was helped in a big way by pace setter Jeffrey Hunt of Randwick Botany who oversaw a brisk pace for the whole of the 12 ½ laps.

Meanwhile at Bankstown, Emma Cormack was in superb form in the high jump with a winning 1.70 meter PB effort. In the same event, Tamika Bostock took eighth with a 1.40 meter effort.

The Open 1500 saw an exceptional second placed effort from middle distance ace David Rickets, who sailed home in second place in 4.00.70 behind Mitchell Lamb of the ACT. Earl O’Brien took fourth in this race in 4.06.20 and his brother Edward twelfth in 4.40.30. In other middle distance action, Ian Halpin took second in the under 17 1500m in 4.42.70. He backed this up with a fourth place 57.60 400m. David Parkes also took first place with a 6.42.10 effort in the under 20 steeplechase.

In male jumps action, Michel Cox was in great form with a first placed under 20 high jump effort of 2.00 meters. In the triple jump, Will Rodgers took first place with a 13.40 meter effort. In the female triple jump, Mataya Young took second place with 10.80 meters.

The team for the record was Hollie Emery, David Parkes, James Barnes, Campbell Hislop, Ian Halpin, Emma Cormack, Tamika Bostock, David Ricketts, Earl O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, Will Rodgers, Mataya Young and Michael Cox.

ANSW State Open 3000m Championships: 10 November at SOPAC

Saturday night of November 10th, 2007 saw the staging of the premier middle distance event in NSW, with the Athletics NSW State Open 3000m Championships at SOPAC, Homebush, NSW.

We begin with the performances of the three female Blue Mountains Athletics who went to the start-line of this championships event.

Against the backdrop of a setting sun and the subsequent floodlit track, Hollie Emery and Celia Sullohern cast their shadows across the start-line of the 3000m. These shadows grew ever larger as the race progressed as the Blue Mountains Athletics Club established itself as one of state’s top middle distance clubs with Hollie and Celia Sullohern taking seventh and eighth places respectively in a large Open field.

In the championship race that saw both these athletes feature in the leading pack for the whole of this race, Hollie came home in 9.48.56 and Celia came home in 9.51.40. Both these athletes were part of the leading group that kicked for home with 600m left. This race was won by Chloe Tighe of Campbelltown followed by Lara Tamsett of Sydney University in second place and Nikki Molan in third place.

This race had been preceded buy the female ‘B’ Division 3000m race where Morgan Moloney put in an excellent performance. In making her championships debut, Morgan came home in second place with a personal best in the very creditable time of 10.35.04. In a race that saw Morgan bide her time for 2200m, this athlete swept to the front with two laps to go before taking a much deserved second place.

In male championships action, the Club fielded six athletes. Earl O’Brien came home in 8.51.19, David Ricketts came home in 8.59.56, Daniel Baldacchino came home in 9.06.95, Jim Perrett came home in 9.17.76 and Edward O’Brien came home in 9.26.88. Club masters runner James Barnes finished with a personal best time of 10.57.25. In this race, Earl, Daniel and James Barnes all recorded personal bests.

The 3000m state championships had been preceded by an afternoon Inter Club meet where the club did put in some very good performances.

Davis Parkes, who was chasing a national qualifying time of 1.58 for the 800m, crossed the finish line in the open 800m in a time of 1.56.00 and fourth place. In other 800m action, Maddy Gleeson posted a two second PB to come home in 2.43.82 and 15th place.

In jumps action there is no better under 17 triple jumper than Will Rodgers. He rounded off his efforts on Saturday with a first place 13.70 meter effort. He later followed this with a super 60m run of 7.50 secs. In 100m action, Campbell Hislop ran a time of 13.05 for 25th place.

The team for the record was Hollie Emery, Celia Sullohern, Morgan Moloney, Maddy Gleeson, David Ricketts, David Parkes, Campbell Hislop, James Barnes, Earl O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, James Perrett, Will Rodgers and Daniel Baldacchino.

ANSW Club Premiership Round 2: 03 November07 at Illawong & Mingara

The recent weekend saw Inter Club action return to synthetic tacks at both Illawong and Mingara.

In 800m masters’ action at Illawong, James Barnes put in a strong effort with a 2.36.60 to take eighth place in a time of 2.36.60.

Meanwhile, at Mingara, on the NSW Central Coast, Candice Porley took fourth place in the under 17 1500m in a time of 6.41.10. In 1500m under 17 walks, Tabitha Porley finished second in 8.10.00 and Candice finished in fifth in the same event with a time of 10.20.00. Fiona Porley finished first place in the masters’ race in a time of 8.56.00.

In other events, Nestor Porley made his debut in senior masters’ athletics with a 200m performance of 29.30 secs to take seventh place. He later followed this with 5.57.10 in the masters’ 1500m for ninth place.

The team for the record was Tabitha Porley, James Barnes, Candice Porley, Nestor Porley and Candice Porley.

ANSW Club Premiership Round 1: 27 October 07 at Campbelltown & Bankstown

After two weeks of competitive under age athletics, Inter Club action returned to synthetic tacks at both Campbelltown and Bankstown.

Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes took the opportunity to competitively race where there were a number of excellent performances.

We fist report from Campbelltown, where David Ricketts tuned up for the State Open 3000m on November 10th, 2007, with three outings in the sprints to build his speed. This athlete easily dropped down to the one lap 400m with a super 54.18 sec performance to take second place behind Alex Pettigrew. Other Club athletes in this race saw Campbell Hislop take fifth place with 58.24 and Daniel Baldacchino take sixth place with 60.47. Earlier, David had run the 100m and 200m in 12.86 and 25.09 respectively and Daniel had run the same in 13.89 and 27.53 respectively.

In the hammer, Campbell Hislop was honing his throwing skills for the December 2007 national championships with a 23.53 meter PB throw.

In middle distance action, the 1500m saw Club athlete David Parkes involved in a very fast race. In a race that saw Kevin Batt of Gosford surge past James Connor of Campbelltown the last 20 meters to win, David came home in the super time of 4.15.58. Also in action was masters’ athlete James Barnes, who ran a second placed masters’ 5.09.04 effort, to get within one second of the Club age record.

At The Crest, Bankstown, Michael Cox was in super form in the 100m with a 11.42 effort to take first in the under 20 100m. He later followed this with a competitive 1.95 meter high jump. In other sprints action, Ashley Hooper took second in the 60m with an 8.51 effort and fourth in the 100m with 13.30.

The Open 5,000m saw Earl O’Brien take a competitive third place with a 15.59.30 effort.

Middle distance saw Anna Collier record a second placed Open 800m finish in 2.15.93 behind winner, Lara Nicod. In other 800m action, Kayley Hooper took 2.42.64 in the 800m to take ninth position

The 3,000m Walk saw a second placed finish to Vanessa Ebejer in 15.21.63. Maryanne Shaw followed in eighth place in 17.46.23.

In jumps action, Katrina Shaw took fourth in the under 17 high with 1.25 meters and her brother Andrew took third in the under 17 male with 1.40 meters.

The team for the record was David Ricketts, David Parkes, Campbell Hislop, James Barnes, Anna Collier, Vanessa Ebejer, Maryanne Shaw, Ashley Hooper, Kayley Hooper, Katrina Shaw, Earl O’Brien, Andrew Shaw, Katrina Shaw, Michael Cox and Daniel Baldacchino.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #1: 06 October 07 at Blacktown Olympic Park

Saturday afternoon of October 6th, 2007 saw Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes compete at the second Inter Club meet of the summer track season at Blacktown Olympic Park, NSW.

Conditions for running were extremely challenging with a 3.00 meter per sec headwind in the finishing straight. Nonetheless, the team turned in a number of competitive performances. The team was also buoyed with news earlier in the day that the Blue Mountains Athletics Club had received $5,000 funding from Telstra for the forthcoming year.

We begin our report with a trip to the triple jump, and the club performance of the day, where jumps star Will Rodgers leapt a superb 13.42 meters to record a PB and take first place. He later followed this with a third placed 200m effort.

In 800m track action, Anna Collier was in superb form taking out first place in the under 16 with a 2.21.28 effort. Anna kicked past Ruby Hackett of UTS Norths with 200m to go to record a convincing victory.

Also in form was distance runner James Perrett, who took third place in the open 800m with a 2.11.00 performance. Making his senior debut for the club was Ian Halpin, who put in a competitive effort with a 2.20.65 time and fourth place. In the remaining 800m action, Campbell Hislop ran a debut time of 2.19.00.28 to take first place. Taylor Wild recorded a time of 2.56.08 to take fourth place.

The 3000m was arguable the hardest event of the day with the seven lap race encountering what was a gale by late afternoon. Hollie Emery took out first place with what turned out to be a handy 10.17.17 effort. Taking out third place in the men’s 3000m, Earl O’Brien produced a 9.07.80 performance. His brother Edward finished in fifth place with a time of 9.43.40.

In masters 3000m running, James Barnes took first place with a club age record in a time of 11.21.68 mins. Good effort this from the latter athlete concerned, who had completed a 3000m race earlier on the same day.

In sprints action, Campbell Hislop who took third place in the 200m hurdles with a time of 30.64 secs.

In jumps action, Mataya Young made her senior debut in the triple with a first placed 9.67 meter performance. In the high jump, and making her return after injury, Emma Cormack closed out with an under 16 first placed 1.55 meter effort.

In the final event of the day, the 3000m Walk, the Club put in a strong team. Chloe Jones took the Open second place with 14.37.99 and Vanessa Ebejer took second place with 15.09.38. Maryanne Shaw claimed the masters walk with an 18.11.35 effort. In under 16 action, Chris Ollenrenshaw took fourth place with a time of 19.44.83.

The team for the record was James Barnes, Hollie Emery, Will Rodgers, Mataya Young, Emma Cormack, Chris Ollenrenshaw, Chloe Joes, Vanessa Ebejer, Maryanne Shaw, Charlene Ebejer, Earl O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, James Barnes, Taylor Wild, Anna Collier, Ian Halpin, James Perrett and Campbell Hislop.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #1: 29 September 07 at SOPAC

Saturday afternoon of September 29th, 2007 saw Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes compete at the first Inter Club meet of the summer track season at SOPAC, Homebush.

Conditions were perfect for track running although a headwind in the back straight was a challenge for the athletes.

First up, we salute the performance of Campbell Hislop in the under 20, 400m. On a day that saw this athlete making his debut in senior club athletics, Hislop overcame a dreadfully slow start out of the blocks to run a huge PB with a 56.88 secs performance and 11th place.

Also competing in this race was middle distance star David Ricketts who moved down to one lap racing with a superb 55.84 secs performance and tenth place.

In 1500m action, Hollie Emery took first place by defeating Jenny Truscott of Sydney Striders with a PB performance of 4.36.93. This athlete kicked away from Truscott in the last 350m to record first place. In other 1500m open action, Dan Baldacchino took tenth place with a time of 4.30.95, in a race dominated by Cameron Page of Gosford and Matthew Rando of UTS Norths. In masters’ 1500m action, James Barnes came home in a time of 5.21.90 and third place.

In jumps action, Will Rodgers was in superb form in the long jump 5.90 meters+ event. He took third place with a competitive 6.18 meters performance.

In sprints action, Will Rodgers took fifth place in the under 16 100m with a time of 12.05 secs. Other athletes in action were Jenna Heath and Ashley Hooper who ran respective times of 14.20 secs and 13.68 secs. In the under 16 200m, Heath ran 29.09 secs and Hooper recorded 27.73 secs.

In open sprinting, Shaun Wearne recorded times of 12.37 for the 100m. He followed this with 57.38 secs for a third placed performance in the open 400m.

The team for the record was David Ricketts, James Barnes, Hollie Emery, Daniel Baldacchino, Jenna Heath, Ashley Hooper, Shaun Wearne, Will Rodgers and Campbell Hislop.

ANSW Winter Allcomers Meet #3: 18 August 2007at Campbelltown

The third inter club meet of this winter season saw Blue Mountains Athletics Club athletes in action at Campbelltown on Saturday August 18th, 2007.

Near perfect conditions of a windless warm day saw a good number of competitive performances.

We begin with a trip to the 1500m where Hollie Emery and James Barnes were in action. Hollie came home first in the female Open 1500m in a PB time of 4.45.04 defeating Ruby Hackett of UTS Norths and Katherine Whiteside of Bankstown.

Coming off a 66 minute effort last week at the City2Surf in Bondi, James Barnes ran a fine race and came home to rewrite the Club age 55+ years record with a seventh placed time of 5.08.53.

Also in super form was sprinter Ashley Hooper. Ashley Hooper took a fine eighth place in the 200m heat in a time of 27.67 secs. She had previously run the Open 100m in the morning in a time of 13.3 secs for tenth place.

In the steeplechase, David Parkes came home to victory in the 2000m steeple with a time of 6.52.13.

The team for the record was James Barnes, David Parkes, Ashley Hooper and Hollie Emery.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #8: 17 March 2007at SOPAC

Blue Mountains Athletics Club senior athletes were in action with an afternoon meet scheduled at Campbelltown, NSW for the Athletics NSW All Comers Meet on March 17th, 2006. This meet also doubled for the Athletics NSW Masters’ Weight Pentathlon State Championships.

We begin with the Weight Pentathlon, where Club athlete Brett Kingston took first place in the male 30+ with a score of 1722. Brett has been one in fine form this year. He scored 329 in the hammer, 394 in the shot, 334 in the discus, 239 in the javelin and 426 in the weight throw.

In the All Comers meet, there were three excellent performances in the Open 3000m where Earl O’Brien took third place with a super 9.06.30 effort. He was followed by Edward O’Brien in sixth place in 9.27.50 and David Parkes in eighth in 9.42.80

In sprints action, Nat Crane took fourth in the under 18 100m with a time of 14.19. Both Jessie Devery and Nat ran in the under 18 200m, where Jessie took fourth and Nat eighth in a race that has officially recorded no finishing times.

In jumps action, Luke Philips took second place in the under 18 high with a 1.75 meter performance.

In the masters 35+ 800m, James Barnes put in a competitive effort to finish in second in 2.37.80.

The team for the record was Jessie Devery, James Perrett, Earl O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, David Parkes, Luke Phillips and Nat Crane.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #7: 3 March 2007at SOPAC

Blue Mountains Athletics Club senior athletes were in competitive action with an afternoon meet scheduled at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, NSW for the Athletics NSW All Comers Meet on March 3rd, 2007.

On a day that saw trackside temperatures reach 40C, the club team of 16 athletes put in a big hearted effort in trying conditions.

We begin at the high jump, where club athletes are in fine form and continue to show dominance over others. Emma Cormack took first place in the under 18 high with a 1.60 meter leap.

In male high jump action, Michael Cox took first place with a great leap of 1.94 meters. Luke Phillips took third with a 1.85 meter effort on count-back. Michael was also in great form in the long jump with a 6.13 meter jump in the under 18 event.

In middle distance athletics, Hollie Emery took first in the under 18 3000m with a time of 10.49.69.

The male club athletes were in great form too in the open 3000m, where James Perrett took a fine third in 9.18.73. He was followed by Edward O’Brien in fifth place with 9.28.22 and Rob Spilling in sixth in 9.31.38.

In 35+ years action, one can look no further than James Barnes for turning out a quality performance in the 3000m. This athlete ran a super 11.28.52 performance in the searing late afternoon heat.

The 1500m saw a competitive second place effort from Taylor Wild who finished the under 18 race in 5.29.09.

800m action saw David Parkes run very close to his PB with a 2.03.95 effort for 13th place in the open race.

In the female under 18 800m, Kayley Hooper finished in seventh place with a time of 2.41.91.

We conclude with the sprints where Anna Collier took first in the under 18 400m with a time of 60.31. She later followed this up with a 26.37 secs fifth placed effort in the under 18 200m. In the same race, Ashley Hooper was seventh with 27.41 secs and Nicole Moore eighth in 27.57 secs.

In the under 18 100m, Ashley took fourth place in a time of 13.33 secs and Nicole took fifth in a time of 13.39 secs.

The team for the record was Hollie Emery, James Barnes, James Perrett, Earl O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, Emma Cormack, Taylor Wild, Ashley Hooper, Kayley Hooper, Nicole Moore, Anna Collier, David Parkes, Michael Cox, Luke Phillips, Rob Spilling and Chris Ollenrenshaw.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #6: 24 February 2007at SOPAC

Blue Mountains Athletics Club senior athletes were again in competitive action with an evening meet scheduled at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush, NSW with the Athletics NSW All Comers Meet on February 24th, 2007.

Night time action was severely curtailed with severe lightning which struck Western Sydney causing the 1500 meters, 3000m steeplechase, 400m hurdles and the 3000m/5000m Walks to be cancelled for safety reasons.

However, early evening action saw the club throwers in action. We begin with the under 18 hammer where Shannon Petrovic finished third out of a field of four with a 34.14 meter throw.

Her sister Erin, took fourth place in the open hammer with a 49.97 meter throw. This event was won by Karyne Di Marco of Westfields with 60.42 meters

In sprints action, Jenna Heath went to the start of both the under 18 100m and 400m. She finished in fifth place in the 100 meters in a time of 14.42 secs. She later competed in the 400 meters to finish in a time of 68.38 secs and tenth place.

Next weeks meet scheduled for Homebush for March 3rd, 2007 is likely to be altered to encompass the 1500m, steeplechase, 400m hurdles and 3000m/5000m walks that were cancelled at this event. The club website will be updated for further details of the amended program.

The team for the record was Erin Petrovic, Shannon Petrovic, Hollie Emery, James Barnes, Jenna Heath, James Perrett, Earl O’Brien, Edward O’Brien and Chris Ollenrenshaw.

Telstra Sydney A-Series : 17 February 07

Saturday February 7th, 2007 saw the Athletics Australia Telstra A Series roll into Sydney for an evening of world class athletics.

Blue Mountains Athletics Club had one representative in this prestigious meet. Hammer thrower Erin Petrovic was in fine form with a best throw of 52.06 meters. Erin finished in sixth place in a field of eight other throwers.

Erin was in fine form at this meet and her 52.06 meter performance is her best since coming back from injury in December 2005, slowly approaching her previous PB of 55.82m.

The event was won by Karyne Di Marco with a throw of 60.43 meters with Gabrielle Neighbour second with 58.55 meters and Breanne Clement third with 54.66 meters.

The Telstra A Series moves to Brisbane on March 9th to 11th, 2007 and we will report on the performances of club athletes from that meet in due course.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #5: 10 February 2007at SOPAC

Blue Mountains Athletics Club senior athletes were again in competitive action with an evening meet scheduled at Sydney Olympic Park, NSW with the Athletics NSW All Comers Meet on February 10th, 2007.

We begin with first place club finishers where Jessie Devery took first place in the under 18 100m hurdles with a time of 15.46 secs.

In the under 18 high jump, Luke Phillips shrugged off his second placed finish from last week’s Under 18 State Championships, to take first place with a super leap of 1.90 meters.

Making her inter club debut at this meet was Jenna Heath, who competed in the under 18 100m with ninth place and a time of 14.40 secs. She followed this up with 11th in the 200m with a time of 30.26 secs and finished this with a 3.69 meter long jump.

In the men’s 3000m, Edward O’Brien came home in 12th place with a time of 9.19.00.

In Open long jump athletics, Geoff Clarke took third place with a leap of 3.31 meters.

The team for the record was Jessie Devery, Jenna Heath, Luke Phillips, Geoff Clarke and Edward O’Brien.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #4: 20 January 2007at Bankstown

Blue Mountains Athletics Club senior athletes were again in competitive action with an afternoon meet scheduled at The Crest, Bankstown, NSW with the Athletics NSW All Comers Meet on January 20th, 2007.

On a day that saw temperatures saw to 38C and high winds gusting in the back straight, Blue Mountains athletes faced what turned out to be demanding conditions.

In the Open 400m, Anna Collier returned to the one lap event after recent forays into the 1500m with a 61.49 secs performance and sixth place. In Under 18 action, Kayley Hooper recorded a 69.72 performance and a twelfth place finish.

800m action followed, and in the Under 18 event, Hollie Emery finished in fourth place with a time of 2.24.27. In the same race, Kayley Hooper recorded a super 2.38.53 performance for ninth place.

In masters 800m athletics, James Barnes ran a season PB to come home in sixth place and 2.42.04. This athlete has been competing further out in terms of distances in recent weeks, and was delighted with his two lap effort.

In sprints action, Ashley Hooper completed her Under 18 100m with a 13.53 secs effort to take ninth place.

We report last on what was the most demanding event of the day. The 5000m was run at 4.30pm in the afternoon in searing heat. John Spinney finished in 22.31.09 and an excellent fourth place in the masters.

The team for the record was Anna Collier, Hollie Emery, Ashley Hooper, Kayley Hooper, John Spinney, James Barnes and Chris Ollenrenshaw.

Club Premiership Round #6: 28 November 06 at Bankstown

Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at Sydney Athletics Centre, Homebush in the Athletics New South Wales, Club Premiership meet #6 of the summer track & field season on December 2nd, 2006.

Our first race report takes us to the 1500m where David Ricketts ran a big PB to finish in eighth place in the Open 1500m. This race was split into two heats and David won his heat in some style with a time of 4.04.39. This race benefited from the inclusion of an 800m pacemaker who took the field through an extremely fast time for the first two laps.

Also coming up with a PB was middle distance athlete David Parkes who came home in 4.18.10 in the same open 1500m. David finished in 21st position.

In the 3000m steeplechase, Hollie Emery again took the club record and PB with a time of 11.16.10. This performance was an impressive one with the track covered in water from a heavy storm that appeared minutes before the race. Hollie took first place in this event.

In the high jump Luke Phillips turned in of the best high jump performances for a considerable period of time. Having failed to achieve the 1.93 cm national qualifying jump in the past two months, this athlete soared to 1.95m to take first place in the under 17 high jump. In the same event Michael Cox took fourth place with a 1.85m leap.

Our last report takes us to the 35+ years 1500m where James Barnes braved the storms to grind out a 5.30.03 performance which was a season PB for him. James took 11th place out of a field of 12 starters.

The team for the record was David Parkes, James Barnes, Hollie Emery, Michael Cox, Luke Phillips and David Ricketts.

Club Premiership Round #5: 25 November 06 at Bankstown

Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at The Crest at Bankstown in the Athletics New South Wales, Club Premiership meet #5 of the summer track & field season on November 25th, 2006.

Our first report takes us to the high jump, where Michael Cox and Luke Phillips dominated the under 17 event with first and second places respectively. They both recorded jumps of 1.90m. These two athletes are coming off a superb last seven days after taking last weeks ANSW State Relays medal at Homebush.

In the under 17 100m, Jessie Devery ran 12.8 secs to take second place behind Tegan Chandler of Campbelltown.

In middle distance action, Hollie Emery returned to the Open 3,000m steeplechase after recent 800m races at inter club meets. Her effort of 11.26.00 lowered both the club record and her PB by a whopping 24 secs.

Also in steeplechase action was Jim Perrett. Jim came home in second place in the under 20 event in a time of 10.38.50. He finished behind Jamie Shearson of Girraween.

In the 1500m, David Ricketts returned to the event to finish in a time of 4.12.20 and take sixth place in the Open 1500m. In the same race, Earl O’Brien took eighth place with a time of 4.17.90. This event was won by Mitchell Ryan of Campbelltown followed in second place by Ryan Gregson of Kembla in a close finish.

In the female high jump, Emma Cormack finished in seventh place with a leap of 1.50m.

In the Open hammer, Erin Petrovic finished in third place with a throw of 50.77m. In the under 17 hammer, Shannon Petrovic finished in third place with a throw of 33.94m

The team for the record was Earl O’Brien, James Perrett, Jessie Devery, Hollie Emery, Emma Cormack, Erin Petrovic, Shannon Petrovic, Michael Cox, Luke Phillips and David Ricketts.

All Comers Walks Meet: 12 November 06 at Chipping Norton

Just one Blue Mountains Athletics Club athlete made their way to Chipping Norton on Sunday November 12th, 2006 for the All Comers 20K Open Walk.

Vanessa Ebejer finished in third place in the open 20K Walk in the time of 1.53.59.

Club Premiership Round #4: 11 November 06 at SOPAC

Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at Homebush in the Athletics New South Wales State 3000m Championships and also the fourth Club Premiership meet of the summer track & field season on November 11th, 2006.

The afternoon and evening timetable was dominated by the running of the ANSW female State 3000m championships and the ANSW male State 3000m championships.

As darkness fell at Homebush, the floodlights cast giant shadows across the synthetic red track. However, these paled into insignificance when the large shadow of Celia Sullohern cast itself across the start line of the female 3000m ‘B’ 3000m. Celia went out in emphatic style, running ragged and comprehensively flogging this field in a time of 9.58.99 and a huge PB. Celia led from the gun, and after seeing off a fleeting first lap challenge from Charlotte Wilson of Asics Wests, ran away from the field. This can be considered one of the best female distance performances by the club for a considerable period of time. Celia’s final position in the 31 person field was ninth when the “A” and ‘B’ results were combined. Ninth in an open event for this 14 year old Blue Mountains Athletics Club athlete is a performance of the highest calibre.

Later that night at 8.00pm, the men’s 3000m got underway where David Ricketts finished in 8.53.00 for 24th, Earl O‘Brien was 31st with a time of 9.09.16, Daniel Baldacchino was 45th with 9.28.52, Ed O’Brien was 47th with 9.30.49, David Parkes was 51st with 9.36.47 and James Perrett 55th with 9.42.33. Also running a big PB to finish in 81st place was masters’ athlete James Barnes who completed the event in 11.24.49. James was considerably chuffed on his best performance on a synthetic track for some years.

We will give a brief report on David Ricketts 3000m ‘B’ race where he fought a pulsating dual over the last 400m with Matt Rando of Gosford AC before the former took a much deserved third place finish. Cameron Page of Gosford was the winner of this race for the record.

In the under 17 800m, Hollie Emery took second place in a field numbering 12 with a 2.19.94 national qualifying performance over the two lap event. This athlete had been chasing a performance of this standard over the past four weeks. This was not only a PB for her but she added this event to the steeplechase for the nationals meet on December 7th, 2006.

In sprints action, Jessie Devery was again in fine form and turned in an impressive performance with a 13.02 11th position out of 37 starters. In the mens’ event, Michael Cox ran 11.75 for a 12th placed finish. Michael also had a hit-out at the long jump (his first for two years) and jumped a whopping 6.04m to take third place.

In throws action, Erin Petrovic took 5th place in the open hammer with a throw of 50.44m and Shannon Petrovic performed well again with a PB and 5th place at 35.13m in the U17 division,.

In long jump action, Geoff Clarke took first place with a 3.25 performance.

The team for the record was Erin Petrovic, Shannon Petrovic, Edward O’Brien, David Parkes, James Barnes, James Perrett, Michael Cox, Jessie Devery, Earl O’Brien, Celia Sullohern, Daniel Baldacchino Geoff Clarke, Hollie Emery and David Ricketts.

Club Premiership Round #3: 4 November 06 at Campbelltown & Bankstown

Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at Campbelltown for the third Club Premiership meet of the summer track & field season on November 4th, 2006.

On a cool, windless day that was absolutely perfect for track running, Blue Mountains seniors were again in good form.

We begin with the exploits of athlete David Parkes, who had spent a frustrating three weeks waiting for the steeplechase in order to qualify for the Athletics Australia nationals meet next month. David Parkes came home in third place in the under 17 2000m steeplechase in the time of 6.38.20. This super effort also gave him his national qualifying performance.

In the same race but competing in under 20 action, James Perrett finished in second place behind Jamie Shearson of Giraween in a time of 6.39.20.

Reporting on 100m sprints action, Michael Cox came home in third place in the under 17 field in a time of 11.90 secs.

Michael has also been looking to make the Australian nationals meet in the high jump in recent weeks. To qualify for the said, he needed to have cleared 1.93m in the high. At this meet, Michael managed third place in the under 17 high. His final jump of 1.80m was not enough to make the qualifying height.

We move next to the 800m where the club female runners were in top form. In a race of 20 competitors in the under 17, 800m, Hollie Emery came home in second place behind Anita Banic, in a time of 2.21.20.

In open 800m action, the track saw the return of cross country champion Alison Rothwell to the two lap event. In a highly competitive race, Alison finished in sixth place behind winner Claire Doyle of Randwick Botany, Selma Kajan and Alicia Keir. Alison came home in 2.21.20.

In men’s open 800m action, Edward O’Brien finished in 17th place in the time of 2.11.80.

In over 35 800m racing, James Barnes finished in the time of 2.38.00 to record one of his best ever performances.

We next report on throwing action where Shannon Petrovic again was in good form in the hammer. In this under 17 event, Shannon threw 33.56m to finish fourth.

In the open hammer, Erin Petrovic finished in third place with a throw of 50.08m.

The team for the record was Erin Petrovic, Shannon Petrovic, Edward O’Brien, David Parkes, Alison Rothwell, James Barnes, James Perrett, Michael Cox and Hollie Emery.

Club Premiership Round #2: 28 October 06 at Campbelltown & Bankstown

Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at Campbelltown and Bankstown for the second Club Premiership meet of the summer track & field season on October 28th, 2006.

If last week was cold enough for the athletes to endure, this week was no better with all the athletes buffeted by a strong southerly.

At Campbelltown, the under 17, 800m saw Hollie Emery take second place finish in a time of 2.29.00 behind eventual winner, Jenny Blundell of Cherrybrook.

Nicole Moore took a fine fourth place in the under 17, 200m with a time of 28.70 secs. Nicole also took seventh place in the under 17, 200m with a time of 13.50 secs

Shannon Petrovic was in form in the under 17 hammer in fourth place with a throw of 34.06m. This was a PB for Shannon. Erin Petrovic threw 51.50m in the Open Hammer to finish in second place.

In other hammer action, Brett Kingston finished in fourth place in the Open Hammer with a throw of 25.43m

Meanwhile other athletes made the trip to Bankstown. At The Crest track, David Ricketts contested the Open1500m. He finished in 10th place in a time of 4.15.11 behind eventual winner Ryan Gregson of Port Kembla.

In the under 17, 1500m Daniel Baldacchino finished in sixth place in a time of 4.39.05.

In female under 17, 1500m action, Anna Collier finished a fine fourth in the 1500m with a time of 4.57.20

The team for the record was David Ricketts, Hollie Emery, Nicole Moore, Shannon Petrovic, Erin Petrovic, Daniel Baldacchino, Brett Kingston and Anna Collier.

Club Premiership Round #1: 21 October 06 at Illawong & Narrabeen

Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at Illawong and Narrabeen for the first Club Premiership Meet of the summer track & field season which took place on
October 21st, 2006.

The day was cold one that saw gusting winds and the temperature plummet during the afternoon.

At Barden Ridge, Illawong, the under 17 800m saw Hollie Emery finish in sixth place in a time of 2.23.00 behind runners from Randwick Botany and Illawong.

Making her Blue Mountains debut at inter club athletics, Emma Cormack came home in fine style with a time of 13.7 seconds in the under 17 80m hurdles to take second place. Emma also competed in the triple jump with a 9.99m effort for fourth place and the 200m with a time of 29.8 secs.

In the Over 35 3000m action, James Barnes finished with a gutsy effort to come home with a time of 12.00.70 to finish in sixth place. Jim survived a 40Kn headwind for the 7 1/2 lap race to record his second best time.

Meanwhile at Narrabeen, driving rain and gales confronted Michael Cox and Luke Phillips as they went in search of national qualifying performances of 1.93m for the high jump. Luke Phillips finished in second place in the under 17 high jump with a leap of 1.85m. Michael Cox finished in third place with a jump of 1.80

In the under 17 1500m at Narrabeen, Anna Collier ran her first 1500m for over a year and came home to victory with the excellent time of 4.55.47. This was an excellent performance given the conditions.

In over 35 action, Hellen Haran finished sixth in the 100m with a time of 16.98secs. She also jumped 3.22m in the long to finish fourth.

The team for the record was Emma Cormack, Anna Collier Hollie Emery, James Barnes, Luke Phillips, Hellen Haran and Michael Cox.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #3: 07 October 06 at SOPAC

On a perfect afternoon for athletics, Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at Campbelltown for the second Allcomers Meet of the summer track & field season.

In the 800m Anna Collier, Hollie Emery and Kayley Hooper all went to the starting line. In the under 18 800m, Hollie Emery raced away from Jadranda Gordic of St George with 300m to go, to finish first in 2.22.57 from a field of 14 starters. In the same event, Kayley Hooper made her debut in senior club athletics to finish in 12th place in 2.45.11.

In Open 800m action, Anna Collier finished in third place behind winner, Chloe Tighe of Campbelltown and Jenny Blundell of Cherrybrook in a super time of 2.19.55. This performance of Anna’s gives her an Athletics Australia national qualifying time.

In sprints action, Nicole Moore and Ashley Hooper both took part in the 100m and 200m. In the 100m, Nicole finished in seventh place with a time of 13.18 and Ashley finished eighth in 13.28. In the 200m, Nicole finished ninth with a time of 27.21 and Ashley tenth with a time of 27.28.

In the Over 35 3000m, James Barnes finished with a big season PB with a time of 11.51.99 to finish in second place.

In jumps action, Blue Mountains athletes took first and second places. Michael Cox finished in first place in the under 18 high jump with a leap of 1.85m. Luke Phillips finished in second place with a jump of 1.80m.

In the javelin, Geoff Clarke threw 17.82m to finish in second place.

The team for the record was Anna Collier, Hollie Emery, James Barnes, Nicole Moore, Kayley Hooper, Ashley Hooper, Luke Phillips, Michael Cox and Geoff Clarke.

ANSW Allcomers Meet #1: 23 September 06 at SOPAC

Heat and windy conditions were the order of the day as Blue Mountains senior athletes competed at Homebush at the Allcomers Meet. This meet had added importance with the NSW All Schools scheduled for the weekend of October 1st, 2006.

The afternoon saw a number of excellent performances. In the under 18 1500m, David Ricketts ran a super seventh place performance with a time of 4.08.94. In the same event, Celia Sullohern came third in the 1500m behind Alexis McKillop of Randwick Botany and winner Chloe Tighe of Campbelltown with a 4.36.69 effort. Both Celia and David achieved club records with these runs. Other performances saw 4.29.52 to Earl O’Brien, 5.35.82 to James Barnes in the masters and 5.42.20 to Chris Ollenrenshaw.

In steeplechase action, Hollie Emery bettered the existing club record for the under 18 age with a 7.26.22 first place performance. Adam Condie making his steeple debut ran a super 7.15.37. Chris Ollenrenshaw made his debut with an 8.51.32 effort. David Parkes and Jim Perrett competed in the 91 cm event. Jim took second place behind Jamie Shearson of Girraween with 6.37.34 and David took fourth with 7.04.50.

In sprints action, Nicole Moore was in fine form with 13.50 in the 100m and 27.54 in the 200m. In the 400m, Alison Rothwell ran 63.16 to finish in second place behind Emma Walsh. Alison later cranked out an impressive 1.10.55 for the 400m hurdles. In the masters 100m Helen Harran made her debut with a time of 16.47 for first place

In throws action, Shannon Petrovic threw 28.97m for third place in the U18 discus. Her sister Erin threw 51.98m in the hammer for second place in the Open division. Brett Kingston threw 25.38m in the hammer, 8.43m in the shot and 20.89 in the discus. Geoff Clarke completes our report with a long jump effort of 3.57m and a discus throw of 17.27m

The team for the record was Celia Sullohern, Hollie Emery, Nicole Moore, Shannon Petrovic, Erin Petrovic, Hellen Haran, Alison Rothwell, Chris Ollenrenshaw, David Parkes, David Ricketts, Earl O’Brien, James Barnes, Geoff Clarke, Brett Kingston, Jim Perrett and Adam Condie.

ANSW Winter Allcomers Meet: 19 August 06 at Campbelltown

Blue Mountains Athletic Club athletes competed at the recent weekend inter club meet at Campbelltown.

Three of these athletes, David Parkes, Melinda Vernon and Hollie Emery took the opportunity to begin their summer middle distance track campaigns in a 1500m field that was of the highest quality.

David Parkes ran a super race to finish with a time of 4.27. This was a seven second PB for David. David put in a particularly strong last 400m to secure this impressive PB.

Also running a fine race was Melinda Vernon. Melinda came home in a time of 4.36 to finish in first place in the female race. Melinda is racing in the Athletics Australia National Cross Country Championships next Friday in Hobart. She found this 1500m an excellent tune-up for this forthcoming event. Another female athlete opening her track campaign early was Hollie Emery who finished third female with a time of 4.57.

In 100m action, Nicole Moore finished in fourth place in her heat with a time of 13.72

The team for the record was David Parkes, Nicole Moore, Hollie Emery and Melinda Vernon.

ANSW WINTER CLUB TROPHY 2006

Blue Mountains Athletics Club is pleased to announce that the club is currently sitting in ten