Combined Services vs Loughborough 09
Combined Services vs Loughborough Match - 10 June 09
By Flt Lt Ben Trapnell
This was a chance for Royal Air Force athletes to complete as the top flight of Service Athletics, alongside their Army and Navy colleagues, against some of the best the British University can offer. It was a monumental challenge but the Men’s team managed to secure a close fought victory although the women’s strong challenge was not quite enough on the night. Many of the Athletes braved heavy rain across the country to get to the match and they were rewarded with a freshly laid track, very little wind and cool weather, all ideal for fast times and the athletes did not disappoint.
Speaking from trackside, RAFAA Chairman, Air Cdre Richard Gammage said “It’s great to see so many RAF Athletes being selected to compete at this level and it will give them vital experience prior to the upcoming Inter Service Championships in July”
The athletes did not disappoint on an evening that saw many Personal Bests and returns to top form.
The highlights of the night were:
SAC Daz Robinson (Odiham) ran a Seasons Best in the 400m Hurdles, smashing through the 57 sec barrier with a time of 56.6 that will surely have worried the Army athletes present. Cpl Stu Benson (Cosford) ran a supremely confident 100, going under 11 secs to take gold, and recovered from a poor first 50m in the 200m to prove his calibre, coming through in the final few meters to take a second win. Cpl Laura MacGawn (Cosford) ran in a highly contested 100m and clearly showed her class, which was then followed by an impressive run in the 100m Hurdles
Talk of the night though was of the fast improving Cpl Sam Hodges (Halton) who ran in both the 100 and 200, pushing the high quality Loughborough Athletes all the way, securing PBs in both events. Find of the night was SAC Sam Mitchells (Waddingtons) debut on the Track in the 3000m. Taking advantage of a fast pace being set by Cpl Matt Blunden (Waddington), fresh from setting a PB in the Nottingham 10 mile race a few days before, he surged with 2 laps to go and blew threw the line, knocking 5 secs off his previous PB. SAC Tony Higbee (Odiham) dominated a fast 110m Hurdles, posting a season’s best of 14.4s and showing that he is back to his best and a force to be reckoned with.
Flt Lt Nav Childs (Leeming) dominated both the Long Jump and Triple Jump and Fg Off Ester Sandiford took a fine victory in the Discus. The athletes can now look forward to the RAF Championships on the 24th of June at DCAE Cosford. Station and individual entries are welcome and details can be found on the Association web site www.raf.mod.uk/rafathletics. Come and have a go!