On Sunday 31st October, members had the opportunity to re-group as a Club. They gathered at Hollyhill, where they enjoyed some fun running events and the presentation of trophies for the 2021 Cross Country Competition, followed by a BBQ.
The first event on the program was a combined distance relay. The first leg of the relay was 1km whilst the second leg was 2kms. The event was quickly led out by Tom and Evie Smart. Noah Dyball and Will Anderson followed and were urged on rather urgently by their dad’s who were their teammates.
Tom changed runners first, handing to friend Declan, shortly followed by Evie changing to Erin Smart. Gavin Dyball took over from son Noah, whilst Will Anderson passed to dad Graham at the same time as Perry Strand changed to Rebecca Cooper. Tim Musson high-fived over to daughter Zoe before Eric Moeller-Duhme handed on to Paul Musgrove (who was still in his bike riding attire). Miller Bell then tagged dad Marty just in front of Josie Sproule changing over to sister Lily.
Despite some interference from Pete Dooley, Sharyn Bryce managed to change over to hubby Dean followed by Andrew Havadjia crossing over to wife Alison. A new little friend visiting for the first time, with thongs in hand, changed to Peter Dooley and then a smiling Isabella Mitchell tagged Lucas Johnson. A bubbly Winter Bell changed runners with Angela Bond then Eva Moeller-Duhme crossed the line to tag Elisha Bell. To complete the field, Aidan McLaren knuckle-touched Scott Johnson to change the baton.
The 2km course gave some runners time and space to make up ground but it wasn’t enough to catch the lead runners. Declan crossed the finish line first, just marginally in front of Erin Smart. Gavin and Zoe demonstrated strong competitive spirit in their sprint to the line, both vying for a podium finish. Graham Anderson was next to cross the finish line followed by Rebecca Cooper. It was a sprint finish too for Peter Dooley and Lily Sproule. Lily cut around Pete on the outside of the track to beat him to the line. Marty Bell was next home and then once again, we saw a sprint finish – this time between Lucas Johnson and Dean Bryce – with Lucas getting the edge on Dean. Elisha Bell was cheered on by daughter Winter as she crossed next in front of Paul Musgrove (who wished he had ridden his bike around the course!) Angela Bond crossed shortly after, and then Scott Johnson made a grand ‘photo-worthy’ finish. Alison Havadjia rounded out the field, claiming that if Andrew had run faster she would have finished higher up the placings!
The second event of the day was a 350m circular drop-off race. At three different points the last runner past the point was eliminated. Lily Sproule took the early lead, and maintained this lead for the majority of the race. Pete Dooley soon caught up to Lily and then remained close on her heels. It looked like a two-person race for the most part of the race with the two runners out the front followed by the pack. The numbers of the pack gradually dwindled leaving Lucas Johnson, Dean Bryce and Elisha Bell. Lucas remained constant and eventually made his move, catching, then passing Lily and Peter to take the win.
It was great to see the enthusiasm on the course, with runners embracing the spirit of the day, whilst also not letting go of their inner competitive spirit.
Now, we look forward to starting Track and Field competition.
We have completed a COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure the safe conduction of our community sporting activities.
We have permission to start using the Shoalhaven High School athletics track again so we have a confirmed start date for Track and Field Competition of Wednesday November 10th.
As part of our COVID-19 Safety Plan we remind all participants that you can only attend if:
- You are fully vaccinated (if you are 16 years and older)
- You are willing to comply with our COVID-19 Safety guidelines regarding physical distancing, hygiene and check in procedures
Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell, or have had a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or other cold / flu-like symptoms in the last 72 hours.
All participants must check in using the QR Code and show proof of vaccination to a committee member.
In addition to being COVID-19 safe, participants must be registered with ANSW to compete. Membership provides essential insurance coverage, and it is a requirement to compete in Nowra Athletics Club competition. In order to participate in any sporting competition, such as netball, soccer, hockey or cricket, you must be a registered Member of the sporting association, and athletics is no different. Please go online to register https://www.revolutionise.com.au/nowraathletics/
If you are not sure which membership type is right for you, see the breakdown of membership options in our NEWS section.
We look forward to getting back on track!