| Crypt school Gloucester and the fields around the Black Bridge athletics track were the hub of athletics on Saturday. The county schools cross country took place in the morning. Followed by the final county Sportshall League fixture of the season. The cross country made use of the fields around the venue. While the Sportshall competition used the Sportshall and gym at the venue. While these events were going on there was also level 1 & 2 officials courses in a school class room. The qualified officials later joined the Sportshall team to gain experience at the events. The boys and girls teams combine in Sportshall to give an overall team score. |  |
 |
Stroud were victorious in the first league fixture from the Cheltenham A team. Cheltenham A turned the tables in the 2nd fixture. Cheltenham B had finished 3rd in the 1st fixture ahead of the Forest of Dean. They suffered through lack of boys after that and FOD firmly established themselves in 3rd by the end of the season. Meanwhile at the top going into the final series of races the Grand Prix events Cheltenham A and Stroud were level on points on the day. The Cheltenham proved the stronger through the Grand Prix events to finish winners of this the 3rd year of the league. It is a terrific improvement for Stroud though having 6th 2 years ago with a very young team. They are developing into a challenging force and it is sure to be close next year. |
| Cirencester have had a major change in their coaching set up during the last year and started the season with a very small team. They gradually improved through the year and eventually finished equal with Cheltenham B in 4th place. Gloucester unfortunately were unable to field teams due to the commitment of their coaches in other events. Sophie Clifford Stroud & George Spence Cheltenham were voted the female & male athlete of the season. |  |
 |
Training will continue for the young athletes with the build up to the Regional Fun in Athletics finals for primary ages in Bristol in January. Gloucestershire will be entering 2 teams for this events The Regional Sportshall finals for under 13 & 15 take place in Torbay in February. At under 13/15 one team competes from each county with the winners going forward to the National finals.
Sarah Rossiter and Fiona Hunter Johnson opened their indoor season at bath on Saturday. It was a rare opportunity for teacher and pupil to compete on a Saturday, with the Monmouth Haberbashers lacrosse season taking a Christmas break. They were competing in the South West indoor championships. Sarah won the womens 60 mts with a life time best performance and the Long Jump with a more modest performance by her high standards. Fiona won the under 20’s long jump and triple jump titles. Clearly both have wintered well and will be looking to build on their performances in the new year
Albert Gardiner |
Closethis window