Small Marlborough team puts up good fight
Relevant offers
By sheer weight of numbers and several record-breaking performances, Nelson overwhelmed Marlborough 254-55 in last Saturday's first leg of the Hester Shield senior athletics competition.
For the first time in its 73-year history, the event was held on an all-weather track, at Saxton Field in Nelson.
Marlborough started well with a clean sweep of placings in the hurdles, led by the impressive Liam Falconer.
However, Nelson – fielding a powerful 47-strong team against just six Marlburians – turned on the power, breaking numerous Hester Shield, Tasman Centre and Athletics Nelson club records, aided by the brand-new and lightning-fast track.
Falconer had a good day for Marlborough, taking out the 100m hurdles. Cody Thomas notched two wins in the triple jump and a second in the senior men's high jump. Tom Looms grabbed podium finishes in the javelin, with a best throw of 38.88m.
Dale Smit ran a personal best 3000m of 11.39.01, while Kaden Moran achieved top-three placings in the 100m and discus.
Round two of the competition is at Athletic Park in Blenheim on Saturday, starting at 12.30pm.
Marlborough Athletics Club spokesman Richard Harvey is urging anyone wanting to compete to turn up and help boost Marlborough's chances of success.
The home side is likely to be stronger with the possible addition of Zoe Johnson, Karl Fitzpatrick, Megan Stratford and Sophie Lamain.
Anyone wishing to join the Marlborough team can contact Richard Harvey on 0274574422.
- The Marlborough Express
