Tamworth Athletic Club

Following the third meeting, Tamworth are lying in 5^th place, half a point behind Telford. Meaning if we can be if front of Telford at the final meeting at the Alexander Stadium on Saturday 19 August 2023, we would avoid being relegated for the second year running.

We were able to field a much stronger team for this meeting, but of course the hosts were stronger too. Cheltenham have some very good athletes, but their ability to fill a team sheet, gives them a massive advantage.

Star of the day has to be shared by two of our younger athletes. Stefi Honkowicz, who made her debut for the team, excelled in everything she tried, winning the 800m in 2:27.2, the “B” Triple Jump, before recording an outstanding time 18:09.8 in the 5000m. Less than an hour later taking a leg of the 4 x 400m a team that never really looked like being caught. Also starring was Isla Crameri, who won the “B” Long Jump, while waiting to start her Pole Vault competition which she won with a leap of 3.40m. Following this she won the Triple Jump with 10.34m, set a PB of 13.6secs in the 100m, before anchoring the 4 x 400m relay team to victory. The Relay was set up by Kat Kotlarzewski (nee Snowden) who came second in the individual 400m in 62.9 secs. She also competed in the 100m, 200m, Javelin, Shot and Discus. She’ll be good when she gets fully fit! Completing the relay team was Evie Caffrey who also won the “B” 800m in a season’s best 2:36.2 and was 3^rd in the 1500m. Niamh Kilgallen came to do 5 events but after winning the Long Jump, her knee was not up to continuing, but she still stayed to finish 2^nd in the Shot. Ribz (Rebecca Hobbs) who probably should have been at home with her kids, bless her, put in her usual “I’ll do that” performances in the 400m Hurdles and flat 400m plus the shot, before ending her day by winning the “B” 5000m, thanks as ever Ribz, always good to see you. Finally, Sarah Williams, who does not exactly live locally, got her Dad to bring her poles and vest to come 2^nd in the Pole Vault and then compete in the Javelin and Discus.

For the men, throwing stalwart Alex Berrow, gained his usual 5 point bonus by throwing 46.75m in the Hammer to finish 2^nd place, also finished 2^nd in Shot with 11.46m and chucked Javelin and Discus. Tom Ainsworth had a tough race in the 400m, but won as usual in 49.3 secs. Tom also ran 11.6 secs in the 100m and took a leg of both relays. Will Fleming, what a difference having a triple jumper makes! Will was 3^rd with 10.67m, leapt a season’s best in the Long Jump, came 2^nd in the “B” 400m and took legs of both relays. Also good to have a High Jumper for the first time this year, Ben Godber equalled his PB to finish 3^rd. Ben also came 2^nd in the “B” 800m and took a leg of the sprint relay. Chris Bruss, fresh for spending all day Saturday Officiating for the YDL team at Daventry, also helped out on the Women’s Hammer, as well as competing in the Men’s Hammer, Long Jumping, running in the 100m and taking legs of both relays. Max Kent, back from his holidays, won the 2000m Steeple chase, and ran in the 1500m. Reinis Baltins and his Dad Uvis also scored good points in the 1500m. Jolyon Leavesley finished 2^nd in the 800m in 2:02.7 and Coach Matt Hargreaves scored useful points in the Shot, Javelin and Discus.

Finally, last but definitely not least Pete Hackett, broke 16 mins in the 5000m for the first time winning in 15:57.8 lapping the rest of the field in the process, then took his usual place in the 4 x 400m relay, who came a very close second, caught on the line by a 48 secs runner from Yate.

Thank you to our Officials on the day, Liz, Fiona, Dave Williams, Tom Caffrey, Chris, and Andy and Lorraine Godber.