31-08-08

British League Points Scorers 2008, after four matches

Ed Harrison 97.25
Alex Pope 78
Mike Skinner 68
Duayne Bovell 68
James Alaka 67.5
Andrew Rayner 56
Derek Paisley 54.75
Alex AlAmeen 51.5
Jonathan Barbour 46
Scott Overall 46
David McKinlay 38.5
Dale Willis 38
Lewis Ely 38
Alex Bruce Littlewood 38
Taiwo Sodeyi 35
Dan Ryan 33.5
Stuart Harvey 32
Alex Gibbins 26
Funmi Sobodu 25.5
Mensah Elliott 24.5
Peter Tucker 22
Dwayne Grant 19.5
Scott Huggins 17
Lemar Charles 11.75
Neil Francis 11.25
Daniel Haque 10
Richard Holt 8.5
Femi Owolade 8
Richard AlAmeen 8
Daniel Ridge 6
Pat Calnan 6
Nick Moore 6
Mark Purser 5
Alan Hardy 5
Nick Gasson 4
Steve Holmes 4
Dave Huggins 4
Alex Blair 3
Richard Daniel 3
Ian Allerton 2.5

British League Points Scored per event 2008

400 Hurdles. 108
1500. 100
110 Hurdles 94
100 93
200 82
5000 78
800 74
3000 Steeplechase 67
Javelin 58
400 56
4x100 52
High Jump 46.5
Triple Jump 43
Discus 37
Pole Vault 33.5
Shot Putt 27
Hammer 27
4x400 27
Long Jump 23

British Athletics League Points 2008

The athletes listed below competed in all four League matches this season

Duayne Bovell

Alex Bruce Littlewood

Ed Harrison

Derek Paisley*

Andy Rayner

Dan Ryan

Michael Skinner

* Derek won all four B string 400 hurdles races

July 2008

Dear squad member,

British Athletics League – Push For Promotion.

After the first BAL match of the season I thought we would not be able to do much better on the track but that we would score a lot more points in the field in the next match. How wrong! The second fixture at Kingston saw us even more dominant on the track but we struggled again in the field.

Again it was a very close fixture with positions changing all the time and we eventually had to settle for third place again. Our athlete of the match award went to Ed Harrison for his efforts in the 400 hurdles and 400. He is now our top points scorer of the season.

After two matches the table is as follows 1. Notts AC 15 (635.5). 2. Basingstoke & Mid Hants. 13. (628) 3. B & B 12 (585.5)  4. Swansea 11 (583.5) 5. Herne Hill 7 (509). 6. Cardiff 6 (527) 7. Derby 4 (447.5). 8 Southend  4 (444 ).

You may or may not know that our women are currently second in the UK Womens League and with a good result in their last match will get promoted. Gents, we want to go up too!

Cup Semi Final at Eton

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the Cup match at Eton. We finished runners up on the day, not far behind winners Windsor. There were seven semis with just the winners going through to the final. They will be joined by the best of the semi final teams which is decided on a paper match. With some very strong individual performances we should do well so we await the Leagues decision as to whether we have made the final.

Olympic Trials, Birmingham

Well done to everyone who flew the flag for the Club at the Olympic Trials. Scott Overall was our highest placed with runner up spot in 5000 metres. Unfortunately Scott’s time in the 5000 this year is just shy of the qualifying standard so he won’t be going to Beijing. He has however set another Club Record as he ran 7.53.30 last week for 3000 metres. Good stuff Scott!

World Junior Championships

Congratulations to James Alaka, Funmi Sobodu, Femi Owolade, Alex AlAmeen and Scott Huggins who were all selected for the World Junior Championships. It’s a great achievement just to be chosen.

BAL Match Three, Swansea 2^nd August

Obviously we need to field as strong a team as possible. The team for Swansea is shaping up and details will be sent separately to those selected.

The match will take place at the Swansea University Sports Centre, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8PP. We will, however, be staying in Cardiff as the hotel contract had been signed before the venue was changed by the League.

Southern League, Kingston, Saturday 2^nd August

For those not picked for Swansea there is the Southern League match at Kingston. If you are available let Richard Hall know. His number is 07717 753147

Forthcoming fixtures

Wednesday 30^th July – Club 800 Champs, Norman Park. Will Dan Ryan successfully defend his title?

Wednesday 6^th August – Club 5000 Champs, Norman Park. Will Alan Camp retain his Crown?

Wednesday 13^th August – Club Open Meeting, Norman Park with electronic timing.

Saturday 16^th August – British League, Derby. Last match, we need everyone there. Nuff said.

Saturday 23^rd August – Club Champs for 100, 400, 1500, 110 Hurdles, high jump, long jump, pole vault, shot, discus and javelin. Forms available soon

Saturday 6^th September, Bedford – BAL Cup Final (Subject to us qualifying. Will let everyone know asap)

Stay fit and good luck with the rest of the season

Regards

Pat Calnan

Head Of Athletics/British League Team Manager

British League Points Scorers 2008, after one match

Listed below are those who have scored points for the Club in the British League in 2008. Athletes who take part in relays have been awarded a quarter of the team points score.

James Alaka 33.5

Mike Skinner 28

Ed Harrison 24

Funmi Sobodu 17.5

Scott Huggins 17

Duayne Bovell 16.5

Alex AlAmeen 16

Lewis Ely 16

Stuart Harvey 16

Taiwo Sodeyi 15.5

Derek Paisley 14

David McKinlay 11

Andrew Rayner 10

Alex Bruce Littlewood 8

Lemar Charles 8

Alex Gibbins 8

Femi Owolade 8

Dan Ryan 8

Peter Tucker 8

Pat Calnan 6

Nick Gasson 4

Steve Holmes 4

 June 2008

Dear squad member,

British Athletics League – Push For Promotion.

Well the first BAL match of the season has taken place. It didn’t go as well as we would have like but was certainly not a disaster. On the track we were pretty impressive and were the best track Club.

In the field we had a number of people missing for a number of reasons. In fact Lewis Ely, Stuart Harvey and Scott Huggins were our only recognised field eventers. Thanks to them and Duayne Bovell, Nick Gasson, Steve Holmes and David McKinlay who joined myself to make sure most of the other events were covered.

What this meant at the end was that we finished third on a topsy turvey afternoon where the team positions were constantly changing.

Match result was 1. Notts AC 327. 2. Swansea 318. 3. B & B 297. 4. Basingstoke & Mid Hants 290. 5. Cardiff 287. 6. Derby 227. 7. Herne Hill 223. 8 Southend 202.

We would undoubtedly have won the match if we had some more field eventers. In fact I estimate we could have scored nearly an extra 80 points.

It was very difficult to pick an athlete of the match as everyone there made an important contribution, but, in the end it went to James Alaka for his wins in the A 200 and B 100 and his efforts in both relays. He got the call for the 4x400 at very short notice.

A couple of concerns were the state of the pole vault mat and landing area and the fact that there was no electronic timing, both very important when we have athletes chasing qualifying performances for major championships. I will be making our feelings known.

I can, however, confirm, and I have this in writing, that there will be electronic timing at the next match at Kingston on Saturday the 5^th of July

BAL Match Two, Kingston, Saturday 5^th of July

After a third place in the opening match it is essential that we make this match count. The match at Abingdon showed that there are some very good teams in the division and some events were very strong.

What we need is not just for everyone who is selected to be available, but also, that we have as many reserves and supporters there as possible, just in case of emergencies. One of the plus factors from Abingdon was that Dave Huggins has volunteered to help out in the throws if we have any problems and he has started doing some training. Thanks Dave! Scott Overall should be back from the States but says that he won’t be able to long jump! Seriously they we should not be having to rely on people doing events for a point but, if we do, I hope people won’t hold back. So let me know if you are available to compete and also if you are coming to spectate.

BAL Match Three, 2^nd August

Please note that the venue for this match has changed. It will now be in Swansea rather than Cardiff. I understand that Swansea is very nice this time of year. Further details to follow.

Southern League, Norman Park, Saturday 28^th June

The next round of the Southern League is at home at Norman Park and is a double fixture with our Southern Womens’ League team. We don’t just want to get promoted in the British League. We want promotion in the Southern League as well. The higher we are in the Southern League the better the competition for the guys who don’t make the BAL team.

So Richard Hall, our team manager, is keen to hear from you. Make his day and give him a call and tell him you want to compete. His number is 07717 753147.

BAL Golden Jubilee Cup Semi Final, Windsor, Saturday 19^th July

This will operate in the 10 in 100 format which means 10 individual events in 100 minutes. There is a separate contest for men and women. Last year both our men and women qualified for the final and we want to do so again.

The teams we are up against in the mens’ match at Windsor are Andover, Basingstoke, Kingston & Polytechnic, Newbury, Stratford, Winchester, and Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow.

The ten individual events are 100, 200, 110 hurdles, 400, 1500, 3000 steeplechase, long jump, pole vault, javelin and hammer. There is also a medley relay (200,200,400,400).

I hope to see many of you at the South Of England Championships at Crystal Palace this weekend. Good luck!!

Regards 

Pat Calnan

Head Of Athletics/British League Team Manager

March 2008

Dear squad member,

British Athletics League – Push For Promotion.

Congratulations to Mike Skinner who has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh on the 30^th of March. He qualified by finishing third in the Inter County Championships in Nottingham.

The season will soon be underway and the last few weeks have been busy with deadlines for registering Higher Competition and Foreign athletes and also getting paperwork to the Eligibility Committees. For the British League the deadline for registering Foreign athletes for the season is the end of March. Anyone registered after this date will not be eligible to compete in the BAL in 2008. So if you do know of an athlete who is in the country and might want to compete for us this Summer let me know immediately.

I would like to welcome the following athletes to the Club.

Josh Cayenne – a  first year Senior HCA from Spenborough with bests of 400 – 48.32, 200 – 21.84, 100 – 11.0

Lewis Ely – an under 20 HCA with a high jump best of 1.95

Femi Owolade –  an Under 20 who joined us from Cambridge Harriers with bests of 100 –10.9, 200 – 21.9, 400 – 48.92

We may have some further additions soon. I will keep you informed.

Club Photo. Saturday 29^th March

Every Olympic Year there is a Club Photo taken. This year it will be taken on Saturday the 29^th of March at the Clubhouse in Hayes. It would be great to see as many people as possible there. You should aim to be there by 1pm as it will take a little while to arrange everybody. You can of course run the Closing Five Mile Handicap race afterwards! 

The AGM is in the evening at 6.30pm where the new President will be introduced.

Senior And Junior Get together 2, Sunday March 30^th

Following the success of the January gathering we are trying to get people together prior to the start of the Summer. The new President will be attending.

Provisional schedule

Train either at Norman Park track or Clubhouse in the morning. (You don’t have to train if you don’t want to! If you haven’t a track pass you will have to pay)

Buffet lunch at the Clubhouse at 1pm, the bar will be open from 12.30. A small voluntary contribution would be appreciated to help cover costs.

The season ahead

A brief talk about the coming season and our aims for the Senior and Junior teams.

Drug Testing

Club Vice President, International Race Walker and Drug Tester Roger Michell has kindly agreed to give a talk on drug testing. Roger is a hugely experienced official and can offer advice on test process, competing abroad and taking medication.

Drug testers have in the past attended National Senior and Junior League matches, National Championships and the English Schools. There will always be drug testing at the European Junior Clubs Cup so our Under 20 and Under 17 women are particularly encouraged to attend. Coaches and parents are welcome.

Outstanding Awards

Depending on attendees, we’ll present any Club and Jack Petchey Foundation Awards.

*To help with catering we need to know if you are coming or not so please advise me by e-mail or phone on 07779 052286*          

British League,Cup and Southern League dates

Saturday 7^th June. Abingdon

Saturday 5^th July. Kingston

Saturday 2^nd August. Cardiff

Saturday 16^th August. Derby

10 in 100 Cup dates are the 19^th July and 6^th September.

Southern Mens League dates are 3^rd May, 7^th June, 28^th June, July 12^th, August 2nd

Sward And Kinnaird Trophy Meeting, Kingston,Saturday19^th April

If you would like to compete at this meeting please let me know. There is an A and B string in every event and as many non scorers as we like. So something for everyone!

Events are 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 3000, 110H, 400H, 2000S/C, HJ, LJ, TJ, PV, SP, DT, JT, HT, 4X100, 4X400. There is a prestigious trophy for the best track team and the best field team, well worth winning.

We will be selecting teams for the first Southern League match after this fixture so it will be worth your while posting a performance either here or elsewhere by this time. Let me know all your results anyway for ranking purposes.

Championship Entry Forms

Kent and Surrey entry forms are now available for downloading from both the Club and County websites.

South Of England forms are not yet available.

The England Athletics Championships and Olympic Trials are by invitation only. If you do get an invitation let me know if you need accommodation. We are looking to attend as a group and so will be booking hotel space accordingly.

Hope training is going well and see you on the 30^th if not before.

Best wishes for the coming season

Pat Calnan

Head Of Athletics/British League Team Manager 

                                                                                              January 2008

Dear squad member,

British Athletics League – Push For Promotion.

Congratulations to those who enjoyed success at the South Of England Championships. In terms of medals, Taiwo Sodeyi was third in the 60 metre hurdles. Scott Huggins cleared 4.91 in the Under 20s pole vault to set a Championship Best, a Scottish Junior Record and a Club Record. James Alaka set a Championship Best to win the Under 20s 200 and won silver in the 60 metres. Alex AlAmeen equalled the Championship Best to win the Under 20s 60 metre hurdles.The following week Scott improved his record to 4.92 at the Kent Champs.

I hope those who attended the get together on the 6^th of Jan enjoyed it. Around 60 people attended and it was good to see some at the Clubhouse for the first time. Thanks again to Joe Mills for his talk on Pilates. We will aim to have another before the start of the outdoor season.

Club Photo. Saturday 29^th March

Every Olympic Year there is a Club Photo taken. This year it will be taken on the 29^th of March at the Clubhouse in Hayes. It would be great to see as many people as possible there. You should aim to be there by 1pm as it will take a little while to arrange everybody. You can of course run the Closing Five Mile Handicap race afterwards! 

I am sure you have entered all the League dates in your brand new 2008 diaries but just to remind you they are as follows.

British League

7^th June. Abingdon

5^th July. Kingston

2^nd August. Cardiff

16^th August. Derby

10 in 100 Cup dates are 24^th May, 19^th July, 6^th September

Southern Mens League dates are 3^rd May, 7^th June, 28^th June, July 12^th, August 2nd

The Sward And Kinnaird Trophy Meeting takes place on the 19^th April

British Athletics League Half Yearly Meeting

The Half Yearly Meeting of the British Athletics League will take place on Saturday the 16^th of February. If you would like to see copies of the related paperwork please advise and I will e-mail them to you. If you would like to attend let me know as lunches need to be ordered.

Higher Competition Athletes

If you know of anyone who wishes to compete for the Club as a Higher Competition Athlete please remind them they need to be registered by the end of February. Please contact me if you need further details

Track Pride

You may have heard of the new Track Pride scheme which aims to encourage Club athletes to attend top Athletics Meetings in the UK. Buying a ticket will raise £2 for the Club and there are a number of other benefits. Our nominated agent for operating the scheme at B & B is Mike Sheppard and he can be contacted on 07792 653290 or michaelsheppard@ntlworld.com

We are looking to host a Level One Coaching Course at Norman Park on Saturday the 8^th of March. If you would like to go on the course and are prepared to assist the Club in its coaching programmes, please contact John Blackie at john@johnblackie.com or on 07768 120519.

Feb 9^th-10^th Norwich Union Trials and UK Champs, Sheffield. By invitation. If you look on the UKA website you will see the following have been invited – James Alaka, Daniel Haque, Jonathan Barbour, Duayne Bovell, Danny Doyley, Dwayne Grant, Funmi Sobodu, Tyrone Swaray, Jamie Atkinson, Michael Skinner, Alex Al Ameen, Mensah Elliott, Taiwo Sodeyi, Vicky Cole, Montell Douglas, Amy Godsell, Anike Shand Whittingham, Sandra Alaneme, Shaunagh Brown.

March 1^st-2^nd Surrey Indoor Championships, Sutton Arena.

Hope training is going well

Regards

Pat Calnan

Head Of Athletics/British League Team Manager

                                                                                              December 2007

Dear squad member,

British Athletics League – Push For Promotion.

Congratulations to Mike Skinner on making the Great Britain team which finished 4^th in the European Cross Country Championships in Toro, Spain. He finished in 17^th place, 12 higher than last year.

I am pleased that Joe Mills is joining the Senior Mens management group. For those who don’t know Joe, he is an International Middle Distance runner who has now established his own Pilates business.

Dates for the British League have been confirmed as follows.

7^th June. Abingdon

5^th July. Kingston

2^nd August. Cardiff

16^th August. Derby

10 in 100 Cup dates are 24^th May, 19^th July, 6^th September

Southern Mens League dates are 3^rd May, 7^th June, 28^th June, July 12^th, August 2nd

The Sward And Kinnaird Trophy Meeting takes place on the 19^th April

We are looking to host a Level One Coaching Course at Norman Park on Saturday the 8^th of March. If you would like to go on the course and are prepared to assist the Club in its coaching programmes, please contact John Blackie at john@johnblackie.com or on 07768 120519.

Important date for you diary. Sunday 6^th of  January. Please find enclosed/attached details of a get together/Awards Presentation/Lecture at the Clubhouse.

A few Indoor dates for your diary

Jan 19^th-20^th South Of England Champs, Lee Valley. (Closing date 8^th Jan).

Jan 26^th-27^th Kent & Essex Champs, Lee Valley. (Closing date 4^th Jan)

Feb 9^th-10^th Norwich Union Trials and UK Champs, Sheffield. By invitation. If you look on the UKA website you will see the following have been invited – James Alaka, Jonathan Barbour, Duayne Bovell, Danny Doyley, Dwayne Grant, Funmi Sobodu, Tyrone Swaray, Jamie Atkinson, Michael Skinner, Alex Al Ameen, Mensah Elliott, Vicky Cole, Montell Douglas, Amy Godsell, Anike Shand Whittingham, Serita Solomon, Sandra Alaneme, Shaunagh Brown.

February 24^th-25^th England Athletics Under 20, 17 & 15 Champs, Birmingham. (Closing date 28^th Jan)

March 1^st-2^nd Surrey Indoor Championships, Sutton Arena.

Don’t forget

Applications for Arthur Kendal Memorial Fund grants close on the 6^th of January.

If you are at University, can you confirm which one you are attending.

Again, if you have received this by snail mail, can you let me have your e-mail address

Have a good Christmas and New Year and see you on the 6^th of Jan

Regards

Pat Calnan

Head Of Athletics/British League Team Manager

57 Crofton Road                                                                                                          

Orpington

Kent

BR6 8AE

Dear

Senior and Junior Get Together – Sunday 6^th January

We are organising a get together for our Senior and Junior Men and Women squads on the above date.

Provisional schedule

Train either at Norman Park track or Clubhouse in the morning. (You don’t have to train if you don’t want to! If you haven’t a track pass you will have to pay)

Buffet lunch at the Clubhouse at 1pm. A small voluntary contribution would be appreciated to help cover costs.

Lecture on Pilates by Joe Mills

Awards Presentation to include, outstanding Honours and Merit Awards; National Junior Champions Medals to all those who competed for the Club in the Junior League season; miscellaneous.

To help with catering we need to know if you are coming or not.  Seniors, please e-mail, text or call me using any of the contact details below. Juniors/U17s please contact Brendan McShane 07814 803389 or brendan.mcshane@tracegroup.com      

Have a good Christmas and New Year and we look forward to seeing you on the 6^th.

Regards

Patrick Calnan

British League Team Manager/Head of Athletics

patcalnan@zoom.co.uk

Patrick.calnan@msb.com

Tel 07779 052286