If you read the News article on Athletics NSW website the headline goes; “History made at XC Relays for Bankstown, UTS Norths and Run Crew…Thrilling races in the open men’s and women’s races highlighted a great day of history making results… Never before at the event had Bankstown won the men’s race or UTS Norths the women’s or a recreational running club win a medal”.
Whilst congratulations to these teams and Clubs is deserving, it is without a doubt that Nowra Athletics Club is also deserving of congratulations for the fine effort they put in as a small Country Club. History was also made for Nowra with some combined South Coast teams and many first-time relay attendees.
What a great day was had!
Nowra fielded 11 teams in this year’s championships from the U12’s to Masters 50+ division. This year two athletes from Euro Coast Athletics, Matthew Johnsen 30+ and Joanne Flood 40+ joined our Nowra athletes to form South Coast Teams. Much thanks go to them for making themselves available and driving for over 3 ½ hours to get there.
It was a fantastic day with great competition, atmosphere and some very close podium finishes.
Congratulations to the 30+ men Matt Johnsen, Robin Vonk, Scott Martin & Scott Johnson who won a silver medal in the 4 x 4km relay in 1.00.46.
The U12 girls Bethany Dobson, Grace Stevens, Rose Atkins and Evie Smart were just seconds off a Bronze medal, an amazing performance for these youngsters! The two women’s teams also both placed 4th. The 30+ team of Catherine Fulginiti, Kim Dobson, Elisha Bell and Erin Smart crossed in a combined time of 1:12:52, just behind Mingira who placed third in 1:12:22
The women’s 40+ team with Kim Dobson (who ran twice!) Jo Flood, Angela Bond and Janeen Hay had a similar story crossing in 1:21:42 behind Woodstock Runners who clocked 1:21:08.
The U14 girls team placed 7th whilst the boy’s team were 13th amongst a highly competitive field. The U16 boys were 7th and the U18 girls ran with their trademark enthusiasm to finish 12th.
The U20 boys who are most comfortable sprinting rather than running cross country placed a commendable 9th.
The 50+ men team ran in 6th whilst the 40+ team were 9th.
As usual the team spirit and comradery that these championships brought were a highlight of the day. Thanks to everyone who competed and thanks to those who assisted, supported and cheered “Go Nowra”.