From Chas Robinson

The second National Junior League match of the season saw Ashford AC travel to Dartford again with a depleted team but this time there was a much more positive outcome with a fine team effort.

The athletes took on more events than perhaps they should, but still did exceptionally well utilising the talents of the six athletes to score 125 points of Ashford’s final tally of 311.

Getting them off to a flying start was Samantha Beckett, who achieved an excellent pb in the 100 metres. Taking third place overall Sam ran 12.8s. which started a brilliant day for her where she went on to get another pb in the 200m with 26.6. The Ashford sprinter also gained valuable points in the discus as well as helping the 4×100 and 4×400 relay squads to excellent third places.

Miriam Hill typified the commitment needed for supporting the team by taking part in three individual events and the 4 x 400m relay, gaining valuable points in the process. Lucy Holmes, who specialises in field events, ran a very creditable 200m, as well as two second places in the shot and long jump.

Rachel Hanagan posted good performances in the 400m, long jump and Javelin, for two seconds and a third, as well as running very good legs in both the relays. All this despite competing the previous day in the Southern women’s league.

Amelia Jones ran a very good 1500 metres and having to deal with the soaring temperatures finished well to take third place.

In the 100 metres hurdles, Caroline Hatley took a very good second place as well as a useful second in the shot. She then took part in both relays, in doing so tackling the 400 metres for the first time, where she achieved a very useful 61.7s split time.

The men’s team manager had 16 athletes to use so a slightly less problem, although still with the need to use members effectively. The sprinters, Hadley Presley, Tom Chambers and Lewis Elliott all gained valuable points, with Tom, despite having a knee problem during his 100m, managed to equal his pb with 11.7s.

With Tom having to pull out of the sprint relay, Hadley and Lewis teamed up with Chris Meakin and Steve Walder to finish fourth with a creditable 46.4s

The 400m and 800m events were covered by Dan Weaver, Chris Blandford and Ashley Cochran, where, despite useful points, their overall performances were clearly affected by the heat. However, the three teamed up with George Huxley to finish overall fourth in a very creditable 3:43.2s. Earlier, George had competed in the 400 metres hurdles to finish fourth; his first attempt at the U20 men’s height.

Tags: Amelia Jones, NJAL, personal best