West Norfolk AC Veterans battle out final EMAC match

Last Tuesday evening, the West Norfolk AC Vets travelled to Peterborough to compete in the fourth and final match of the EMAC series.

Both the men’s and women’s teams battled hard to finish 3rd on the evening and in the league for the overall series.

In the men’s team, Matt Lamb (V35) won the long jump (4.76m) and sprinted to second in the 200m (26.2s) and the 400m hurdles.

Ben Collison (V35) ran the mile well in 5m26s, whilst brother Tom was third in the discus and javelin (20.12m).

In the V50 category, Ricky Bailey returned to compete and finish 2nd in the javelin (20.68m) and 4th in the discus. Lee Tunmore looked sharp to finish 2nd in the 200m and long jump.

Neil Watson, who was retiring from athletics, won the 400m hurdles and managed to survive and finish the mile in fourth.

V60 athlete Ian Reeve won the javelin (24.65m), and was pipped to second in the 200m. Reeve was also 2nd in the long jump and 3rd in the discus (27.01m). At the end of the evening Ben Collison, Lamb, Tunmore and Bailey came 3rd in the 4224 relay.

Meanwhile in the women’s competition, Nicky Neill ran down an age category in the W35 and came 2nd in the 200m and mile. Neill also won the W50 javelin with a throw of 19.14m.

Meanwhile, sister Katrina Wasteney (W50) won the mile and came second in the 300m hurdles.

Sally Edwards, an ever present member of the team this season, came second in the 200m and third in the discus and long jump.

Jen Gosnell, competing in the W35 category, who has carried injuries all season, still managed a PB whilst winning the long jump with 3.7m, and was second in throwing the javelin and discus.

The ladies then finished off the season in style by winning the relay.

Retiring team manager Neil Watson would like to thank all the athletes that have helped fill all the teamsheets over the years and hopes that the team have all the success in the future that they deserve.

As it was Neil’s final outing as manager, much cake was eaten in recognition of his efforts over the years managing and supporting the vets teams.

With a knee problem hampering his running, he has taken to speeding on two wheels instead of legs and all at the club are positive he will be just as valued a member of his cycle club as he is at West Norfolk AC.

Neil went out in style with his oldies teammates and they all want to say a massive thanks for everything he has done.

n Meanwhile, club ultra runner extraordinaire Craig Roberts took on his 3rd 100 mile run this year, the Centurion North Downs Way – taking him a step closer to completing the Centurion grand slam.

Craig had unfinished business with this route, having been unable to complete it previously, but finished this time around in 28 hours and 56 minutes. Best of luck to Craig in completing his grand slam.

n West Norfolk AC 400m hurdler James Greenhlagh continued his fine form this season with an excellent performance at the English National Championships in Chelmsford.

Greenhalgh ran a rapid 52.71 to qualify easily from his semi-final and then ran an almost identical 52.70 for 6th in the final.

WNAC are proud to be represented by an elite runner who has moved markedly up the national rankings this year, with more expected next year.

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