Kai Finch, Liverpool Pembroke Sefton Under 15 star High Jumper, has had his fair share of disappointment in the current Track and Field season but determination and courage finally won out at the Southport Waterloo Open Track and Field Meeting at Litherland. Untroubled by other competitors he sailed over a controlled 1.80m. This was a not only a club record but edged the previous best set by his coach, Dave McComb, some 40 years ago. Needless to say both were equally delighted. The result takes Kai into the top ranks of High Jumpers in the UK and is the best incentive for another tough winter training programme. Other vertical jumpers had their share of success at this medals meeting, U15 Sadie McNulty(1.50m) and U13 Scarlet Whitfield(1.35m) improving and taking gold and with Zara Bradshaw on silver with 1.25m.
Among the men and figuring highly were Vet Mark Crompton second in the Javelin(28.39m), U17 800m Matt Richardson winner of the 800m in 2.10.2 and Rob Ward third with 5.64m in the Long Jump. Marcus Bathie was a pleasant surprise second in the U15 80m hurdles(14.1) Another Vet Chris Pedder showed that advancing years were no deterrent to an excellent 10.31.4 clocking in the 3000m. U17 Ben Harding was runner up in the Javelin(43.74m). Sprinting for quick times was U17s Billy Matthews 400m in 58.2 and Rob Ward 100m in 12.2 and 200m in 24.8 plus U15 Matt Kenny 100m in 13.3.
The girls had their fair share of joy with Evelyn Smalley winning both the Senior 100m in 13.2 and Long Jump(4.73m) plus silver at 200m(27.5). U15 Lauren Lewis was a class apart in the Long Jump(4.94m) and had good timings in both 100m(13.2) and 200m(27.5). Also enjoying a useful day out were Louise Millington (U15 100m in 14.1), a quartet of U13s at 75m, Scarlet Whitfield(11.4), Zara Bradshaw(11.3), Nina Smalley(12.30) and Lily Crompton(13.6). Sadie McNulty was runner-up to Lauren Lewis in the Long Jump with 4.67m.
The Ormskirk Park Run still attracts members pressing for good work-outs over 5K. James Loftus won in 17.14 and there was a pleasing return to form of Mike Bride third in 18.15. Chasing him hard was Nathan Browne, fourth in 18.16 with Joe Martin fifth on 18.44. Steve Lennon was 9th(19.53) and Joe Houghton 12th(20.29).
Kirsty Longley was at the City of Salford 10K which attracts thousands of competitors. She came away with second Female in the good time of 37.08. This continues a long string of high profile success. She is always one to watch in the road running scene.
Dave McComb & Kia Finch
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