Albury/Wodonga Gift

This was the inaugural Albury/Wodonga Gift and it was a terrific event. Tom Burbidge and his helpers did a marvelous job of putting together a very professional first up athletics meeting. With any luck it will become a permanent event on the calendar.

The day was exceptionally hot and took its toll on competitors and supporters alike. After a very hot day at Wang we all found it a bit difficult to manage a second in a row. Lach and Cal looked a little worse for wear in their heats although there are really positive signs every time they race. The enormous amount of work they are doing and the mentoring and guidance they are receiving from Peter and the other boys in the squad is really starting to show.

For the second day in a row Stephen, the ever young veteran, made the Women's and Vet's 120m final. His ability to back up in the heat was impressive. He is not far off a win!!!

The highlight of the day was the fantastic performances of Peter (coach) and his two top sprinters David and Kevin. All three of them made the final of the Gift with David finishing a very close second to Joel Bee.

In other results Kim McDonough capped off a very special weekend by adding the Albury/Wodonga Women's Gift to her first place in the Wangaratta Women's 400m the day before. The Men's 400m event was won in convincing style by Brendan Cole who ran in the red.

Next weekend we have another double header with Avondale on Saturday and St Bernard's on Sunday.

Wangaratta Gift

What an exciting day at Wangaratta. All members of our little group made finals and good friend and former team mate Anna Pasquali also ran in the final of the Women's 400m finishing a close second to Kim McDonough.

Stephen ran on well to finish second in his heat of the women's and vet's 120m qualifying for the final as one of the fastest non winners. He finished 6th in the final but more importantly felt good at the end and will be fit enough to run tomorrow at Albury.

Cal starred in his heat of the 400m. Running strongly he quickly passes the runner in front of him and was never headed. He also ran very well in his final. He continues to build his endurance and improve each week.

Lach ran second in his heat of the 120m Gift. He qualified for the semis on fastest times. His run in the semis was super finishing a very close second. His time was good enough to get him into the final where he ran in yellow and finished 4th. He was pleased with his run and we were very proud to see him running in the final of a gift event that is very important to our family. Mum, Dad and Auntie Cath were delighted and really enjoyed the day. 

Off to Albury tomorrow for another action packed day!!!

Rye Gift

We always enjoy the Rye Gift and this year was no exception. The track was in superb condition, probably the best we have seen so far this season. We made our way down a few days earlier and spent time relaxing in the house we rented, catching up with Anna, Wally and the kids, shopping and eating. Given that the weather was very cool and a bit wet the boys were brave enough to even venture into the water once.

Stephen ran in the 300m and ran very well finishing on strongly. With a number of good veteran's events coming up he is in good form and in a good place in terms of being competitive.

Lach only ran the sprint events. His run in the 70m was OK without being spectacular. His performance in the 120m was probably his strongest run for the season so far over that distance.

Cal continues to run well. His first 300m is consistently strong and now he only needs to work on his endurance to be able to continue through to the line strongly.

 

Anna is also enjoying running again, particularly at one of her favourite and most successful hunting grounds. She competed in both the 120m and 400m events.

GSC sprinter Kevin Brittain ran convincingly well in both his heat and semi of the Rye Gift,  posting the fastest time. In the final he was beaten to the line by the very consistent Cam Dunbar.

 

Everyone had a great day and we look forward to catching up with everyone again at the Wangaratta/Albury double header in a fortnight.

Ringwood Gift

The 400m Ringwood Gift has a long tradition as a prestigious event. The gift was won by David GIROLAMO off 50m in the very fast time of 45.869. Stephanie MOLLICA was second and third was first year runner Daniel WHITE-ALIKAK.

Lach and Cal both ran well given their hard training session on Friday. 

And why the Cheshire grin???

Cal completed his heat in 48.50s and Lach's time was 49.10s. It is the first time that Cal has run faster than Lach and he was pretty pleased with himself and so he should be.

Off to Rye on Thursday for a nice three day break and what is usually a great day of competition on Saturday. 

Burnie Gift

What a great day of competition and entertainment. The weather was glorious. Hot and no wind meant very fast times were recorded.

Brendan Cole won the Burnie Gift in a very fast time of 12.10. Laura Jane Hilditch won the women's gift. Andrew Robinson capped off a great week by adding the 400m title to his LaTrobe Gift sash.

Stephen ran very well in the masters 300m but was beaten by Chris Brown.

Even though Stephen ran in two straight finals Cal was the best performed athlete in the stable qualifying for the final of the 400m. He ran exceptionally well setting a cracking pace and leading until the 300m mark. Andrew can thank Cal for his very fast time of 45.74.

The boys are off to Devonport to celebrate with Brendan Cole and the Matty B crew.

We fly home early tomorrow. Time to sort out the mess the storm caused on Christmas Day.