The three-day championship meet for the NSW masters finished up with two days, with the final day, Sunday, being postponed to a day to be announced. Torrential rain, on a continual basis, and strong gusty winds were the reason behind the final day being postponed. Officials found it hard on day one and two, and the third day would have been impossible. This was a good decision by Athletics New South Wales who are the administrators of this event. Not only were conditions impossible for officials, the third day would have athletes perform well below their best, and in some cases many withdrawing. On the second day, many athletes were a little weary and conscious of the conditions, trying to maintain their balance on slippery surfaces. Athletics NSW will announce the final day, possibly this week, but with major State titles now coming up, to select a day is going to be very hard.
Blue Stars once again flew the flag proudly, and our master’s group is one of the most supportive of our club and also of major meets such as these State titles. Great to see a number of our athletes back on the track, such as John Van Stappen, Peter Shepherd and Annette Mead, (although Annette didn’t get a chance to compete due to her event being postponed). These athletes teamed up with newcomer to master’s athletics, former senior champion, Justin Miller, who ran a great 100m to take out second placing in the men’s 35-39 100m. Sunday was going to be his day, with his lightning fast start, the 60m is one of his best and all were keen to see him turn the tables on his main rival. That now will be put on hold. Our great supporters June Lowe, Mary Thomas and Gianna Mogentale dominated their age brackets with Lowe taking out the women’s 65-69 hammer, shot, hurdles, high jump and 100m. Mogentale in the women’s 55-59 once again clean swept her division winning the 100m, 400m and triple jump, whilst Thomas captured her only two events, on the two days, the hammer and discus, being only 4 centimeters off her own State record in the hammer.
Diane O’Toole ran a gutsy 100m to take the bronze medal in the women’s 60-65 division. O’Toole competing with very little preparation due to a foot injury, whilst Peter Shephard also took out bronze in the men’s 60-64 100m recently only returning to the track. Sarah Guevara was looking forward to day three with her 60m and long jump, but she performed well over the 100m to take bronze in the 40-44 division. Andrew Rodda finished in 4th in the hammer, but took out bronze in both the men’s 100m and 400m in the 50-54 division whilst Rina Flynn came home with a silver medal finishing second to Mogentale over the 400m. Colin Clarson will now have to wait for his favourite event, the 800m, but meanwhile captured a well earnt bronze medal in the 55-59 division over 1500m, and finished a close 4th in the 400m.
Athletes will now have to wait for the final day to be announced but I am sure the total of 10 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze will be added to on this final day. ~