Athletic promise ahead of Varsity
Oxford University Athletics Club brought back bags of medals from last weekend’s Oxon County Championships, many of which were a glistening golden colour. As well as fighting for the County title, this was also the last opportunity for athletes to prove that they deserved a spot on the Blues or second teams for the 132nd annual Varsity match that takes place this Saturday (20th) at Iffley Road track.
Being crowned County Champion in one event is a great achievement, but two athletes not only went one better, but managed to earn themselves no fewer than four titles. Frances Smithson and Club President Martine Bomb showed fine form for next week’s clash with the old enemy, with the former taking gold in the U20 category in the 100m (13.4s), the Long Jump (5.28m), the Triple Jump (10.95m) and the High Jump (1.55m). Bomb stormed to victory in the 100m hurdles in 14.6s, the 100m (12.
s), the 200m (25.8s) and was three seconds inside the full Blues time for the 400m hurdles with a superb run of 62.3s. Both women are set to do extremely well against Cambridge’s GB heptathlete Phyllis Agbo, who has always been a source of valuable track and field points for the Tabs. This year, however, Oxford’s women could well turn the tables.
Continuing the winning streak in the multi-events, Sean Gourley cruised to an easy victory over fellow OUAC athlete Andy Mobbs in the 110m hurdles, in a time of 15.5s. He then went on to jump exceptionally well in the Triple Jump, triumphing in 14.21s. In doing so he broke a twenty year-old Championship Best and added a silver to his collection with a jump of 1.70m in the High Jump. Mobbs made up for his defeat in the sprint hurdles by winning the 400m hurdles in 60.2s.
Phil Duggleby continues to bounce back well from injury, defending his 400m County title with a time of 50.5s. He was supported by Justin Richards, taking silver in 52s, andclaiming bronze in the 200m in a time of 23.8s. He was half a second behind team-mate Toleme Ezekiel, who avenged missing out on silver in this event with a victory in the 100m (11.3s). BUSA 1500m champion Lizi Brathwaite led OUAC to victory in the women’s 400m event, setting a new Championship record of 56.s, with Katie Sam coming back to form in second place, with 59.7s. Back on the field, Nick Zani clinched the U20 Long Jump title in 5.70m. Aside from medals galore, there were pleasing signs from other OUAC athletes. Sally Hughes recorded another personal best, something she is currently in the habit of doing, this time in the 100m (13.5s) and the 200m (28.4s). Steph Madgett made a positive return to competition having been out with injury for a few weeks, with a jump of 5.0m, earning her a bronze medal, and Zoe Barber improved on her 800m time of two weeks earlier. There were also County Champions crowned in the distance events: Laura Kyte won the 1500m in 4.47.6s, and Courtney Birch took a break from her preparation for finals and enjoyed a run-out in the 3000m, while women’s Cross-Country Captain Sarah Pemberton finished second with a time of 10.38s. On the men’s side, Fraser Thompson and Dave Bruce were the first two home, in 9.39.5 and 9.48 respectively.
Captains Martine Bomb and Jon Buckler are confident that Oxford will give the Tabs a good thrashing this Saturday at Iffley Road.
18th May 2006