Vets’ go from strength to strength
says ‘Truly proud’ team managers Alan and Jackie Butler
A fantastic night of veteran’s athletics was witnessed at Battersea Park Stadium on the 2nd fixture for the season on Monday 6th June.
There were some wonderful individual performances by veteran athletes who would hold their own with others 20 years their junior. The night was capped with a fine grandstand performance in the team relay events of the 4 x 100m where the men’s and ladies teams came 1st and 2nd respectively.
Outstanding performances to note in the mens team were Jason Steele’s heroic comeback in the 800m to overtake serpentine and Herne hill harriers ‘best’ on the home straight clinching victory on the line. Keith Seldon, the field events supremo, cleared up as usual in the hammer and shot. Scott Farley again proved his versatility by putting in fine performances over the 200m, 800m, 3,000m and 4 x 100m; all in the space of 2 hours! Andy Mansi, John Myall and Dave Martin were also great, taking care of the over 50’s and 60’s sprints, jumps and middle distance.
Not to be out done, the ladies were fantastic with complete domination by Emma Humphries of the 3,000m, a classy second in the 800m and finished the evening with a final leg in the relay. Maria Hernandez – Humm was on fire with a blistering 200m win, a terrific first leg relay, triple and long jump. Lucy Duncan put in superb performances as she stepped up for the 200m, 800m, 3000m and third leg in the relay, not to mention the shot and hammer – what a star – truly amazing! Lesley Conway once again ready, willing and more than able coming first in the 800m and triple jump. She took the second in the 200m and finished the evening with a superb second leg relay. Christine Heemskerk, wonderfully took care of the 50’s shot, hammer and long jump with Cathy Girvan and Angela Duncan completely taking care of the 60’s track and field events, who were both a delight to watch! Ladies well done!!
Relay Finale
The finale to the evening were the relay events with the ladies 4 x 100m team, a veritable 2nd to Serpentine AC, arguably the biggest club in the UK, and then followed what can only be described as an unbelievable finish to the evening with the incident packed men’s 4 x 100m relay.
The men were up against quality opposition with the English champions, Herne Hill Harriers favourites. Therewas a good turnout from the strong St Marys team and also Serpentine. 
Hillingdon made a strong start with Dave Martin handing over to Scott Farley who held a safe 3rd place as he handed over to Jason Steele. Jason ran the bend in what can only be said as surely a bend Pb for him where he cut Serpentines 3rd place down to equal 2nd; with Herne Hill flying it all seemed a forgone conclusion with just a battle for 3rd left as St Marys trying to make up for a bad start with the evenings faster sprinter, Gary Palmer, still to run the final leg.
Disaster struck when Herne Hills ‘fastest’ sprinter dropped the baton and while they scrambled on the floor, Serpentine lost time and St Marys were hamstrung, Hillingdon’s final leg runner, Alan Butler emerged from the carnage to bring home the victory with a pack chasing him all the way down the final straight.
Results here.
Team spirit
This topped a wonderful evening of sport with great team spirit and what was described as the best vets night yet by team manager, Alan Butler, who also stated, “ it just goes to show, that you don’t have to be Olympic standard or even had a lifetime of athletics or sport to come and try out for the most sociable club in west London” “there is an event for everyone and different types of training for everyone, no matter what standard or how old, and all enjoyed with great facilities for training, set in beautiful Ruislip woods and at the Uxbridge track, great club facilities with new gym equipment and refurbished shower facilities. There’s something for everyone at Hillingdon AC
If you are interested in getting involved in the league contact Alan or Jackie
Alan – 07715 449352 – abutler@leevalleypark.org.uk
Jackie – 07733 287092 – jbutler@edclord.com
