Track and Field had another strong turnout on Wednesday 22nd October despite the severe winds and hot temperatures. An amended program was implemented to accommodate the conditions, replacing javelin and high jump with discus and long jump.
Anne Boatswain added another 50–59 years age record to her name, this time in the shot put circle, with a throw of 9.52m – congratulations Anne!
Nowra Athletics Club prides itself on being a family club, and this week we welcomed new members the Morrison family – Alex, Caroline, Lottie and Harry – as well as Caleb Saunders and Eva Wilkinson. It was also great to see long-serving members Dean Bryce, and Scott and Malachy Martin back on the track.
There were three heats of the 600m. Amarlie Ward won her heat in a solid 2:00.51, followed by Ben Sproule in 2:10.70 and Piper Browne in 2:17.19. In the junior heat, Cobey Lee and Hewie Sproule threw themselves across the line together in a sprint finish, both clocking 2:27.87, with Willy Sproule not far behind in 2:42.21. Lani Parmenter ran well for 4th in 2.50.83 and 6-year old Leo Krizanovic was impressive with 2.51.68, crossing in 5th place. The senior heat went to Lily Sproule in 1:49.57, followed by Leith Babian in 1:55.68 and Scott Martin in 1:58.61.
The field was split into two for the 1500m, although the timing system unfortunately didn’t capture all results for the senior race. Leith Babian took a convincing win, followed by Lily Sproule and Scott Martin, with new member Alex Morrison running a great debut for 4th. In the junior race, Amarlie Ward continued her strong form to win in exactly 6 minutes, ahead of Piper Browne (6:44) and Heath Lee (7:26). The youngest runners; Grace Parmenter, Xander Day, Hamish Bennett and new member Zachary Lee were also impressive, pushing through the distance and finishing with smiles. It was also great to see newcomer Lottie Morrison finish the 3.3/4 laps in 8.58 for 10th place.
New member 18-year-old Caleb Saunders showed his speed over 60m, outsprinting the field in 7.65. Erin Smart was next fastest with 8.15, then Lily Sproule in 8.78. Teenagers Evie Smart (9.23), Evie Binney (9.50) and Josie Sproule (9.78) all ran well, while Kadance Naylor proved she can sprint as well as throw, clocking a solid 9.08.
There was plenty of good competition among the juniors in the sprints. Notable performances from the boys included Ben Sproule (9.60), Braxton Naylor (10.22), Benjamin Emmerton (10.59), Jameson Day (10.68), Cobey Lee (10.73), Heath Lee (10.74), Declan Bennett (10.77) and Jack Saviane (10.99). Among the girls, Hallie Brown (11.18), Amarlie Ward (11.35), Isla Saviane (11.86) and Ivie Ward (11.89) all had strong runs. Olivia Brennan (12.72) and Eden Quodling (12.78) also had a hard-fought battle over the 60m, finishing just 0.06 seconds apart.
The masters sprints continue to grow in numbers, which is great to see! Andrew Lee was impressive in 8.88, as were Joel Browne (9.33), Andrew Heffill (9.95) and Miriam Spry (9.74). It was also great to have newcomer Caroline Morrison on the track (10.46), and to see seasoned throwers Lauren Naylor, Mel Jennings and Anne Boatswain take on the sprints too.
At the long jump pit, there were some personal bests recorded with a high rate of participation. Caleb Saunders out-jumped everyone with his leap of 5.67m, whilst masters athlete Tristan Corbridge impressed with 4.04m. Other masters jumpers included Sam Keogh (3.81m), Joel Browne (3.29m), Lauren Naylor (3.12m), Andrew Heffill (2.88m), Miriam Spry (2.69m), Anne Boatswain (2.72m) and Mitch Emmerton (2.06m). Juniors Evie Binney (3.57m), Kadance Naylor (3.46m), Evie Smart (3.41m) and Emerson Boatswain (3.35m) all jumped well.
Eight-year-old Jameson Day cleared 3m with a jump of 3.03m, while four-year-old Kayleigh Kingdom surpassed the 1m mark this week with a jump of 1.10m.
In the throwing arena, newcomer 11-year-old Eva Wilkinson demonstrated great form to record 17.42m in the discus – the biggest throw of the night in the junior female group. Braxton Naylor took out the junior male section with 26.60m, followed by Declan Bennett (18.40m), Ben Sproule (16.57m) and Jameson Day (15.52m).
Eight-year-old Benjamin Emmerton is certainly embracing his first season at Nowra Athletics Club, performing with great enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Ben recorded more great results in the field this week, throwing 11.23m in discus and 5.39m in shot put. It’s wonderful to have both Ben and dad Mitch part of the Club!
Next Wednesday night Nowra Athletics Club is turning the track pink in support of those affected by breast cancer. We’re encouraging all athletes, families and supporters to wear pink to show your support. We will have prizes for best dressed and some pink treats available on the night. Donations can be made at the canteen. We can’t wait to see the track covered in pink and filled with support and spirit.
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