Secretary's Report 2006-07
The 2006/ 07 season included events to celebrate Preston Harriers 125th Anniversary year. These included three track & field events (a team rely and two opens), a fell race (Chipping Show), a road race (The Preston 10) and a celebration night at the Marriott Hotel on the 14th September. It was disappointing that the turnout for the track and field events was low and attracted little to no interest from neighbouring clubs. An anniversary sweatshirt was put on sale together with postcards but the take-up was less than overwhelming. The committee put much thought and effort into the anniversary events but were left with the feeling “was it worth the effort”.
Management
The management committee have met 13 times since the last AGM, the venue for meetings having moved to the Treasures house in Ashton when the meeting room at the Wheatsheaf PH in Woodplumpton was no longer available. Andy Sharp and Aidan Lupton have joined the committee. We are aware that there appears to have been little progress in recent years to make the planned Club House a reality. Andy Sharp is now trying to make things happen. Aidan Lupton and Judith Deakin are our new Welfare Officers and Angela Welfare is now our CRB checker. Steve Mort has taken over the Harrier, and is also a committee member, and Bill Buckley has recently taken over the website. Our thanks go to Val Wallbank, Bob Shepherd and Chris Livesey who’s job the above have taken over.
Following the Foster Report and voting by the Clubs a new management structure has been put in place for athletics in the UK since our last AGM. Our affiliation has been transferred from the North of England Athletic Association to the newly formed England Athletics; administration being through the North West Regional office in Manchester. The AAA of England continues to exist but no longer has a role in the management of athletics in the UK. All Clubs in the North West of England were asked for nominations for the North West Regional Council and Bob Welfare was put forward by Preston Harriers, was duly elected and served on the NWRC until recently.
Track & Field
The 2005 outdoor track & field season saw Preston Harriers at U13/U15/U17 level competing in the National Young Athletes Northern Premier League for the third season, Preston Harriers at U17/U20/Senior level competing in the NoEAA League Division 2WC, all groups by age and gender competing in the Mid Lancs League 1 and for the second year Preston Harriers at U17/U20 level competing in the National Junior Athletics League; but this year in the Pennine Division, a sideways move from the Merseyside Division.
In the Young Athletes League, after another very good season with three 1st places and two 3rd places, our final league position of 5th was the same as last year and again disappointingly one place below qualification for the National Auxiliary Final.
The Senior team gained a 2nd place behind the leagues eventual winners, Blackburn, when a full team turned out at Preston, but suffered due to a poor turnout of athletes in the remaining fixtures. The team came 6th and last on two occasions and 4th in the last fixture to just miss relegation, this being particularly disappointing having just missed out on the Division 2 playoffs the previous year.
In the Mid Lancs League the male and female teams both competed in Division 1 for the second season. The female team appeared to be in an unassailable position after three of the five matches but due to commitments to higher competition and holidays had to be content with 2nd place at the end of the season. The male team were similarly affected and took 3rd position in their league.
The second season in the NJAL saw a marked improvement for the team with a 1st and 2nd place but spoiled by a 5th and 6th place (out of 8) when athletes were not available due to warm weather training and clashes with regional championships. A good turnout at all four matches should result in qualification for this years promotion match to the Northern Premier Division
At the Lancashire County T&F Championships in May, Preston Harriers were crowned County Champions 34 times (35 in 2005) and took away a total of 99 medals (69 in 2005). Seven new Championship bests were set and gold medals won by: Sam Miller (U13B Long Jump & 75mH), Kayleigh Huggins (U15G Javelin), Danielle Rooney (U15G 80mH), Miles Manley (U17M 100mH), Stephen Porter (U17M Javelin) and Carl Dickinson (SnrM 200m). The highest number of gold medals was four, won by Emma James (U20W LJ, TJ, HJ & 100mH). Not far behind with three gold medals was George Sharp (U15B 100m, 200m & 80mH). Double gold medallists were: Amy Lupton (U13G HJ & Shot), Nathan Bibby (U17M 800m & 1500m) and Mica Nottingham (U17W 100m & 200m). The remaining gold medallists were: Harriet James (U15G 75mH), Mark Sutton (U15B TJ), Michael Porter (U15B Shot), Katrina Hall (U17W TJ), Kate Hindle (U17W 1500m), Rebekah Ingham (U17W HJ), Aimee Kevan (U17W Javelin), Ben Anthony (U17M 1500m Steeplechase), Andrew Robinson (U20M LJ), Peter Street (U20M 3000m), Adam Worthington (U20M Javelin), Rebecca Wiseman (SnrW HJ), Jackie Noblet (SnrW 100mH) and Brian Campbell (SnrM Hammer).
At the U15 & U17 NoEAA T& F Championships medallists were: Miles Manley (gold U17M 100mH), Kate Hindle (silver U17W 800m), Stephen Porter (silver U17M Javelin & bronze U17M Discus), Harriet James (bronze U15G LJ), Ben Anthony (bronze U17M 1500m Steeplechase) and Danielle Rooney (bronze U15G 80mH). At the following U20 & Senior NoEAA T&F Championships medallists were; Stephanie Roe (gold U20W 800m), Jackie Noblet (silver SnrW 400mH), Andrew Robinson (silver U20M TJ), Emma James (bronze U20W TJ) and Peter Street (bronze U20M 5000m). At the later Junior AAA Championships Harriet James went on to win the silver medal in the long jump.
Steve Hallas took part in the NoEAA 10,000m Championships at Cudworth in September and came away with a silver medal and a pb of 32.35 mins.
The Lancashire Schools T&F Championships took place at Wigan in June and following some outstanding performances 10 Preston Harriers (representing their schools) were subsequently selected in the Lancashire team to compete at the English Schools Championships at Gateshead in July.
After a very successful Lancashire Combined Events Championships a large contingent of Preston Harriers represented Lancashire at the North West Regional Combined Events Championships at Carlisle in June. Preston Harriers who won individual places to compete at the English Schools Combined Events Championships at Derby in September were Andrew Robinson (4th SnrM), Harriet James (2nd JnrG), Hannah Lupton (5th JnrG) and Emma James (2nd SnrW). At English Schools the above gained 20th, 17th and 27th places with Emma unable to compete.
At the NoEAA Indoor Championships at Sheffield in January athletes from Preston Harriers came away with 3 gold’s, 1 silver and 7 bronze medals. The medal winning athletes were: Danielle Rooney (gold U17W 60mH), Nathan Bibby (gold U20M 1500m), Andrew Leat (gold U20M TJ), Katrina Hall (silver U17W TJ), Andrew Robinson (bronze U20M TJ & bronze U20M LJ), Hannah Lupton (bronze U15G HJ & bronze U15G LJ), Harriet James (bronze U17G LJ), Jonathan Harker (bronze U17M 200m) and Mica Nottingham (bronze U17W 200m).
Danielle Rooney went on to win gold in the U17W 60m hurdles (in a pb of 8.66 sec) at the National Indoor Championships at Birmingham in February. Nathan Bibby was rewarded with his first England vest at the Celtic Cup Indoor Home International at Cardiff but was not content with this and went on to win the U20 1500m (in 4.01 min).
Preston Harriers U11/U13/U15 Sportshall team loaned the Lancashire Sportshall League title this year to Blackpool Wyre & Fylde! Eight Preston Harriers (Hannah Lupton, Sophie Ealand, Lucy Sumner, Robert Gallery, Joe O’Donnell, Ryan Cooper, Thomas Bradbury and Darren Evans) were in the U15 Girls and U13 Boys Lancashire Sportshall Teams this weekend when they represented the North West of England in the National Sportshall Finals at the NIA in Birmingham.
Our own international athlete, Helen Clitheroe, won the AAA 1500m championship in 2006. Helen also represented England at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne (4th in 1500m) and Great Britain at the European Championships in Gothenburg, and Indoors in Birmingham.
For our track & field athletes to get the best competition our teams need to maintain, and where possible strive to gain promotion to a higher league. This will only be possible if members take responsibility for finding out when and where the matches are taking place and making themselves available to compete, this being a particular problem with our more senior athletes. This will greatly assist our long suffering team managers.
Cross Country
In the Mid Lancs Cross Country League, Preston Harriers had a good season. Overall the teams finished as follows: U13G 2nd, U13B 3rd, U15G 1st, U15B 4th, U17M 1st, U20M 1st, SnrW 2nd in Division 1 and the SnrM 3rd in Division 1.
At the Lancashire Cross Country Championships at Witton Park, Blackburn in January, the junior Preston Harriers won 1 individual gold and 3 individual bronzes whilst the teams won 2 gold’s, 2 silvers and 2 bronzes. The results were as follows:
U13B: Callum Rowett (7th), Jack Dwyer, Joseph O’Donnell & Carl Duckworth - 4th team.
U13G: Florie McLeish (10th), Jessica Crook, Lauren Bugler & Eilioh McLeish - 3rd team.
U15B: Kristian Bibby (3rd), Richard Morrell, Andrew Robinson & Matthew Nash - 3rd team.
U15G: Ellen Buckley (6th), Abigail Mackley, Elena Dowthwaite & Nicola Jackson - 1st team.
U17M: Nathan Bibby (1st), Ben Anthony & Matthew Davison - 2nd team.
U17W: Kate Hindle (3rd), Sarah Allen & Hannah Watson - 2nd team.
U20M: Robert Walsh (6th), David Rigby & Tom Balshaw - 1st team.
U20W: Georgina Burton (3rd) - no team entered.
The pick of the results of the senior and vet runners at the Lancashire Cross Country Championships were as follows:
Senior & Vet Men: Dave Parkinson (25th & 5th V40), Kevin Hesketh (41st & 3rd V50),
John Rainford (69th & 7th V45) and Alan Appleby (72nd & 3rd V55).
Senior & Vet Women: Philippa Walsh (7th & 1st V45), Sarah Gohil (16th & 5th V35),
Karen Nash (18th & 3rd V45) and Marion Hesketh (19th & 1st V50). Philippa, Sarah and Karen were 2nd Senior Womens team.
Three weeks later at the NoEAA Cross Country Championships at Heaton Park, Manchester Nathan Bibby was the highest placed individual being placed 18th in the U17 Mens race.
At the National Cross Country Championships at Penshaw in March Ellen Buckley was the highest placed individual coming 31st in the U15 Girls race.
In March a number of Preston Harriers were members of the Lancashire team at the Intercounties Cross Country Championships at Wollaton Park, Nottingham and similarly at the English Schools Cross Country Championships at Temple Newsom, Leeds. At the Schools event Ellen Buckley (40th) and Nichola Jackson (137th) were part of the 13th placed Junior Girls team. Stephanie Roe (71st) was part of the 7th placed Senior Girls team. Kristian Bibby (55th), Matthew Lloyd (97th) and Ben Anthony (232nd) were part of the 14th placed Inter Boys team. Peter Street (93rd) and David Rigby (220th) were part of the 23rd placed Senior Boys team.
Roads
The new Preston Harriers Road Race Championship started in December 2006 and finishes in October 2007 and so I hope to report on this next year. I can confirm that we have a thriving road running section based on articles I receive and send on to the LEP in my role as Press Secretary.
In the Interclub Preston Harriers were the dominant force in four of the five categories with a series win for both the Mens and Womens team. In the final race of the season 57 of the 237 finishes were from Preston Harriers and in the Mens race Preston Harriers filled 7 of the top 10 places with Adam Sutton 1st, Chris Livesey 2nd, Steve Hallas 3rd, Matt Livingstone 5th, Gary Wilson 6th, Dave Parkington 7th and Nathan Bibby 9th.
The Preston 10, which this year celebrated its own 25th anniversary and also our clubs 125th anniversary, attracted a large entry and 476 finished the course. Steve Hallas (5th) and Philippa Walsh (87th) were the first across the line from the large contingent of Preston Harriers with Preston Harriers men taking 1st place and the Preston Harriers women taking 2nd place behind Stockport Harriers. The course record was threatened but not broken and so the £125 prize was not be claimed by the winner, Rick Hayman of Sale Harriers.
Run Preston was again staged within the city of Preston in July with many Preston Harriers helping to organise it and also competing with some success.
The Freckleton Half Marathon in June was this years Lancashire Half Marathon. Highest placed was Alan Metcalf in 12th.
The Blackburn 10km Road Race in August was this years Lancashire 10km championship. In the womens race Anne Sweeney took gold in the V45 class and bronze overall whilst Marion Hesketh took gold in the V50 class. In the mens race Kevin Hesketh took gold in the V50 class.
The St Annes 10 mile Road Race, which is run in March, will be this years Lancashire 10 mile championship race. In March this year Steve Hallas was an impressive 2nd . Steve together with Alan Metcalf (7th), Gary Wilson (8th) and Dave Watson (17th) were also 1st mens team. Anne Sweeney (8th woman), Sharon Trusch and Dolly Capstick were also 1st womens team.
Adam Sutton deserves special mention as this year his margins of victory have been particularly impressive. In August his 1st place at the Sale 10 mile (in 48.05 mins) took him to the top of the UK rankings.
Fells
There were 22 members in this years Preston Harriers Fell Championship. The Open champion was Alan Metcalf. William Garner was V40 champion, Mick McLoughlin was V50 champion and Edmund Stewart was V60 champion. Karen Nash was again Womens champion whilst Andrew Harrison won the Junior Boys and Nicola Jackson (again) won the Junior Girls sections.
The Chipping Show Fell Race in August attracted 53 entries. This being Preston Harriers 125th anniversary year two new trophies were awarded for the first man and woman. Philippa Walsh picked up the trophy for being 1st women home with Sarah Gohil 2nd. Highest placed Preston Harriers man was Alan Metcalf.
Paddy’s Pole Fell Race attracted 153 runners last year but a much larger entry for this years race was anticipated (this weekend) as it was an English Championship Fell race.
At the English Junior Fell Relay Championships at Sedbergh in September the mixed boys and girls team of Calum Rowett (U12), Nichola Jackson (U14) and Andrew Harrison (U16) won silver.
Technical Officials
Examinations for upgrading from Grade 4 to Grade 3 were passed by: Dave Harker, Jackie Harker, Christine Hall, Barbara Gillies and Judith Deakin. We currently have 15 active graded technical officials. However, we still find it difficult to cover all of the league matches. The Club is always looking to recruit new technical officials as the existing officials are feeling overworked and frustrated that last seasons appeals for new officials resulted in knowone coming forward. There have been a number of people indicating that they will be willing to assist the technical officials during this T&F season and hopefully some of them will in the fullness of time wish to become technical officials.
Coaches
Bob Welfare continues to chair the Coaches Sub-committee and would welcome new recruits to supplement the existing coaches.
Final Remarks
The number of Preston Harrier members continues to hover around the 500 mark. It is clear from the above that our competing members performances are improving year on year and long may this remain the case.
Andy Parker
Secretary of Preston Harriers
22/04/07
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