Mens League 1
MENS LEAGUE, MEDOWBANK 27/4/03
The first of three Scottish Mens Athletic League Meetings was held at Meadowbank
on Sunday 27 April. Central Athletic Club’s athletes were having their
first taste of Division 1 competition following their promotion in 2002 and
finished in seventh place out of the eight teams competing. Many of
the athletes had to compete outwith their chosen specialities and some found
themselves outclassed, however there was also enough true endeavour to suggest
that staying in the top flight is not beyond these young men.
Kenny Pearson again proved to be an excellent points scorer with clearances
of 3.60 metres in the pole vault and 1.70 metres in the high jump. Kenny
added performances in the 110 metre hurdles, discus, javelin and relay to
give an invaluable backbone to the team. Ewan Laing was another to
keep active throughout the afternoon with fine runs in the 400 metre hurdles
(62.28) and 110 metre hurdles (17.70), interspersed with triple jump, 200
metres and relay performances.
Jamie McDonald found his pace somewhat lacking against Ian Mackie in the
100 metres but was the Club's highest placer with a solid run of 10.09.41
for second place in the 3000 metre steeplechase. Alex Milne showed impressive
grit and commitment to take third 'B' place in the steeplechase, his first
attempt at this 'killer' event. Robert Russell's run for third place
in the 5000 metres (15.14.85) was another superb performance following on
from the previous day's road relay run of 14.57 in Birmingham over the same
distance. Alasdair Anthony had raced to second place in the previous
day's Hunters Bog Trot and produced some fine running for third in the 'B'
5000 metres. Ewan Gault, taking time out from studying for his University
finals, paid a flying visit to the stadium and was rewarded with a 2.01.65
clocking for fifth place in a high quality 800 metres. Alastair Hay
also provided a strong run in the 'B' 800 metres with 2.01.6, a good time
in the blustery conditions. Ross Houston provided much of the pace-making
duties in the 1500 metres and finished in a close fourth place in 4.02.84
with Lewis Millar providing good back-up for fifth 'B'.
The jumps allowed two of the Club's younger athletes to compete at this
level for the first time and both Michael Wright and Alastair Page gained
invaluable experience while providing much needed points for the Club.
Richard Blore did a tour of throwing events which included 21.28 metres for
the hammer, a javelin throw of 32.35 metres and a shot-putt of 8.78 metres,
another excellent contribution to the Club's fortunes. George McHardy
provided the back-up in the shot and discus and again obliged with some much
needed points. Ramsy Young making his debut for the Club in the hammer,
finished fourth in the 'B' event, but has all the attributes to make a significant
impact in this event in future matches.
Martin Crawford and Martin Kearney shouldered much of the sprinting responsibility
and found the opposition to be of a very high quality. However, with
a few more races under their belts, both can make an impact at this level.
Elsewhere at the weekend the Club was delighted to hear of two excellent
runs by younger athletes including a superb win by Antony Gillespie runners
in his age group of the Scottish Primary Schools Cross Country and a fine
second place by Findlay Cairns in his race.