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22nd Aug, 2019, Alastair Aitken

Now Highgate Harrier, Tony Richards is 70, he is still performing very well and in the British Masters Championships at Perry Bar, Birmingham on 10th August, in his over 70 category, he won the javelin with 32.93m was second in the shot 11.49m and 3rd in the discus with 35.55m. A nice set of colourful medals for those went to him.

It was interesting to see at the stadium, a 1956 Olympic Steeplechase finalist for GB from Hillingdon AC. Eric Shirley, who was the first Over 90 athlete in the 200m (48.85); 400m (1:54.92) and 800m (4.47.98) plus the discus with 13.87m. To think Eric, who ran at his best for Finchley Harriers in his younger days, won the AAA’s s 3000m steeplechase in 1956, 1958 and 1960.

HIGHGATE FINISH WITH A FLOURISH 

Undoubtedly the ‘Stars’ of the last meeting of Division 3 North of the Southern League at Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday 17 August 2019 were Rob Wilson, Highgate’s cross-country captain, who won the 5000m comfortably in 15:35.25, and Sean Renfer who won the ’B’ in 16:10.49. The other ‘Star’ turn was by James Millet who won the 800m ‘A’ in 1:59.86 and was placed second in the 1500m ‘A’ in 4:07.07. Charlie Haywood won the ‘B’ in 4:11.03.

Stephen West looked impressive winning the ‘B’ 800m in 2:04.64. Luca Weinbrecht was second in the long jump and triple Jump ‘A’ as well as being second in the javelin: 5.99m, 12.12m and 35.57m respectively.

Of course with the League it is all about ‘Club points’ so one who should be admired was James Rossiter, who will be 50 in September. Rossiter, after doing 10 events at the last Southern League at Parliament Hill earlier this year, has had a hamstring injury and yet he came out and won the javelin ‘B’ with 34.75m and competed in the 110m and 400m hurdles plus the shot (8.91m) and pole vault (2:40m). He was second in both the latter two events and did a high jump of 1.25m helping to gain more points. He was fourth in the ‘B’ long jump with 4.23m adding more points to his total.

Regarding the other results, an improving sprinter is Neil Middleton, who was second in the ‘B’ 200m with 26.78. Nick Lawrence was a bit faster doing 25.45 in the ‘A’.

Lauren Longhurst did 8.86m in the ‘A’ triple jump for third and was first in the ‘A’ 3000m. Mornington Chasers had two runners in the composite team in the women’s 2000m steeplechase: in the ‘A’ race Carmel Harrington finished third in 11:05.57 and Michele Griffiths finished second in the ‘B’ race n 11.11.02. 

Highgate Harriers’ women were third in the 4x100m relay with 64.13 (Amy Rutherford; Jenny Holmes; Jenny Moore and Isabella Millet).  In the 4x400m Highgate’ composite team came second with 4:05.42 (Amy Rutherford; Jenny Holmes; Jenny Moore; Isabella Millet).

The ‘great’ effort on Saturday means Highgate will definitely be at least in the middle of the table for the end of the season. The scores on Saturday would indicate that Oxford City AC will be promoted to Davison 2.