Lytham, North Fylde and Wesham Track and Field Event

Wednesday, 24^th May 2006

I’d missed the last two club Mondays. This week I was in the Lakes and the week before, my calf was hurting. Men’s Team Organiser, Reg Chapman had heard from Karl Lee that I was injured and rang to see if I was still OK for tonight. I said I was. Colin Laidlaw had been e-mailing me asking me what type of long jump technique he should use.

I always go swimming on a Wednesday whilst my son, Levon, has a lesson and then onto McDonalds. I risked a burger because it was 6pm and my event, the 3,000m didn’t start till 8:25pm. If Lee Barlow can do it, so can Bates!!

I piled Levon’s bike in the car,(knocking off two of his lights in the process), and, on the way down to Stanley Park, dropped Michaela off at the Bispham Hotel to meet two sixth form buddies. Levon played football with Steph McPheely’s children for a while until they started throwing javelins!! I warmed up and watched the Men’s 200m; Graham Ingham stormed home in 1^st place followed by Les Cornwall. Lee Barlow won the 1500m (?) in 4:59, followed by Steve Myerscough. I think Yvonne Russell was 1^st Lady and Wesham were getting their fair share of prizes - (beer/wine). There was a fantastic turnout from the ladies – the joint captains Julie and Yvonne had done a great job. It was a great event to watch; a great atmosphere and whoever thought of it – a great idea.

My event was fast approaching and it suddenly occurred to me, people were wearing numbers! I saw Reg Chapman and he said to see Dave Waywell and Dave Waywell said to see Reg! Reg came up trumps and Yvonne Russell gave me her pins.

Les Cornwall joined Karl Lee and me on the start line as a guest as you are only allowed two competitors per event. Les and Karl took off straight away and left everybody in their wake. I was heading the next group for a lap or two, but slipped back to 7^th, (last man). Trevor Rayner was running the opposite way giving me constant encouragement, as was the rest of the large Wesham contingent. I finished last, but thoroughly enjoyed it and was thankful Karl and Les hadn’t lapped me. (It was hard work).

Peter Gleaves finished last in the 100 metres, but I think he won the shot put.

The next event was the Men’s 4 x 400m Relay - (Steve Myerscough, George Kennedy, Trevor Rayner and Alex). This was another thrilling race with Wesham coming out on top, but not without a fight from North Fylde. It was great to see Lee Barlow shouting encouragement at the top of his voice and, the normally sedate Chairman, Dave Waywell doing likewise. The Ladies Team of Susan Coulthurst, Mandy Ingham, Beverly Brooks and Steph McPheely also took part in a thrilling race and were looking good, especially when Alison Titterington of North Fylde appeared to drop the baton and had a problem with her shoe! On the last lap the Lytham team forged ahead and took 1^st place.

If there had been a few butties laid on at the Sports Centre, it would have completed a great night. Not that I could have gone - (school for Levon next day).

Written by: Martin Bates

Submitted: 25^th May 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw Website/Magazine Editor