Guernsey International – 23 May 09

By Flt Lt Ben Trapnell

This was the first time the RAF had competed in this event, which saw a select group of athletes compete in a reduced programme against a variety of International athletes. The conditions were fantastic, sunny and with just a slight breeze, promising much from the nights exploits.  Intended as a warm-up for the Guernsey athletes before their prestigious Island Games, the hosts had invited the best the Home Nations had to offer in the form of Welsh and Great Britain select national squads to help raise their game.  They had invited the Royal Air Force for the first time after a chance conversation the previous year. We did not disappoint.

SAC Tony Higbee, fresh from his Silver medal in the Multievent Champs came second in the 110m Hurdles in a blisteringly quick time against International competition.  Cpl Laura McGawn won the Long Jump in a packed field with a leap of 5m 57.

Our distance athletes proved their class in the 3000m with Cpl Matt Blunden of Waddington running a tactically brilliant race to dominate a class field. This was a fantastic early season performance over the shorter distances after his exploits in the London Marathon. He was backed up by Cpl Kieran White who came in close behind him, breaking nine minutes for the first time

Speaking from Track Side, Men’s Track and Field Team Manager, Flt Lt Ben Trapnell said ‘Its been a fantastic event, we've put in a strong performance and competing against International athletes has shown many of the athletes what can be achieved!'  Shortly afterwards, Flt Lt Rob Barker Davies, of DCAE Cosford, took on a tough field in the 400m Hurdles, contesting a close fought battle all the way to the line.

SAC Travis Culverwell of Odiham, in his first outing in an RAF vest ran a well paced race against some of the best athletes Guernsey had to offer. He stayed the course to come close to breaking the 2 min barrier, which bodes well for the Inter Services in July.  This was followed by Cpl Stu Benson, recently moved to DCAE Cosford, dominating his heat of a quality 200m competition.  The fast improving Cpl Sam Hodges ran well in the 200m pushing Cpl Laura McGawn all the way to the line. She followed this up with a strong run in the 100m in a strong field.

In the final event of the day, the 4x100m, after a strong 1st and 2nd leg that put us in close contention we failed to complete the handover to leg 3. This did not dampen our spirits however as it had been a fantastic opportunity with everyone gaining from the experience. The evening function provided by our hosts enabled many of our athletes to gain an understanding of what it takes to compete at a national level.

We returned to the UK looking forward to the Presidents Cup competition and the RAF Championships on the 24th of June. If you are interested in getting involved, have a look at the rest of our website and send us a Query.

Results

More Photos Courtesy of E-Motion