The Christmas edition of Nowra Track and Field Competition was held on Wednesday 14th December.
The night started with a warm-up 600m. From a field of 18, Archie Higgins took the win in the junior race followed by Macca Davis then Evie Binney. The senior race had just 8 competitors and was taken out by Scott Martin with Lily Sproule 2nd and Lizzy Davis 3rd.
Next on the track was a 100m sprint. There were 5 heats and plenty of enthusiasm. Some of our youngest – and cutest – competitors made a dash for the line, earning their lolly reward. These included Isla Savianne, Hazel Savianne, Rosie Savianne, Hewie Sproule, Will Sproule and Zeppelin Blinksell.
In the field, throwers enjoyed a Christmas competition with a chocolate incentive. The winners of shot put were Mack Tanner, Darcy Binney, Aiden McLaren and Jamie Musson, getting the shot closest to the target. Discus winners were Darcy Binney, Evie Binney and Emily McLaren.
Finally the big event of the night was held! In the junior mile 18 athletes lined up in handicapped order. First off the line was Santa aka Hewie Sproule with younger brother Will, joining him for 1 lap. Isla Savianne was also go marker, followed by Jack Savianne and Zeppelin Blinksell. Heidi Savianne was next to go then Darcy Binney and Harrison Withyman and one by one each runner left the line. Hewie held the lead for a while until he lost a shoe mid-race. Jack Savianne passed Hewie to take the front position whilst Heidi Savianne, dressed as Miss Claus, ran strongly behind brother Jack. Back markers Macca Davis and Archie Higgins worked hard, pushing through the field of runners and made great ground. Macca started to gain on Jack and never gave up on the race, but just couldn’t catch Jack in time. Jack ran the best he ever has to take the win and earned his Christmas pudding prize. Macca Davis took 2nd and Heidi Savianne held on for 3rd. Special note must go to Josie Sproule, who may not have taken a podium finish, but demonstrated great determination and never give up attitude to complete the race in her hotdog costume.
The senior mile had 16 competitors and was a hard fought race. Mia O’Mullane started the race followed by Charli Binney, Harry Davis, Loretta Norris and Jamie Musson. Next off the mark was Lizzy Davis, followed by Lily Sproule then Emily McLaren and Gavin Dyball. Scott Martin, Hamish McLaren, Toby Dyball made up the middle of the field from a 3.05 handicap. Next was Amelia May, fresh from Australian All Schools, then Darcy Davis. The back markers were Will Dyball and Harrison Baxter who had to work extremely hard to catch the rest of the field from a 3.30 and 3.35 handicap.
It was a great race to watch as the experienced runners moved through the field. Toby Dyball managed to take the lead, with Hamish McLaren moving to 2nd but Will Dyball was gaining ground in the closing stages of the race. Lizzy Davis held speed to maintain her front of field position whilst Harrison Baxter and Amelia May were also moving up steadily.
Toby Dyball led into the home straight. Will was closing fast and moved into 2nd place, in front of Hamish McLaren but was unable to catch Toby. It was a Dyball quinella, but we are not sure if the pudding will be shared!
To conclude the night, athletes enjoyed some fun Christmas-themed relays. There was a Christmas cracker circular relay and a bauble and spoon race.
Track and Field competition will now take a Christmas break and return on January 11th. We wish all our members a very happy and safe Christmas. Stay active everyone!
Here’s a little Christmas poem to celebrate our Christmas Mile.
Rockin’ around the athletics track
At the Christmas pudding mile
Everyone’s keen for a Christmas snack
And everyone has a smile
Rockin’ around the athletics track
Let the Christmas spirit run
Athletes emerge from the pack
And see who will be the one
Rockin’ around the athletics track
From a handicapped start
Everyone’s keen to have a crack
Everyone plays a part
Rockin’ around the athletics track
Vying for the Christmas pud
Hoping no one has a stack
Thankful the weather was good
Rockin’ around the athletics track
Eighteen juniors tested their speed
The winner was a determined Jack
A surprise result indeed!
Rockin’ around the athletics track
The seniors pushed on through
Runners moved up from the back
And Dyball’s took one, two
You will get a sentimental feeling when you see
Athletes running, let’s be jolly
Deck the track with boughs of holly
Rockin’ around the athletics track
Have a happy holiday
Everyone running merrily
In the Nowra fashioned way