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27/09/2021 00:00, In Blog / School News /

Steve Jones reports on a successful SIAB event:

Moorways Stadium, Derby – Saturday September 25th.

67 of our brightest and best young athletes made the journey to the traditional showpiece event of the Schools Track & Field calendar, this year hosted by English Schools at the Moorways Stadium. The event had moved from its’ traditional July date due to the disruption caused by Covid. The thanks of all at WSAA are extended to our colleagues at English Schools who went the extra mile over the weekend to make this a memorable occasion.

Perfect conditions without a breath of wind greeted the team on arrival at the Stadium, these conditions improved further throughout the day with bright sunshine replacing the overcast conditions of early morning. Our thanks go to the small army of parents, family members and coaches who came along to give such generous support.

Team Management had set a target of exceeding the 2019 medal haul of 11, with the final tally matching that achieved at Swansea University. However, the 4 golds won were a welcome improvement with 5 silvers the standout performances last time out.

Full Results here

Medallists were as follows:

Gold

• Michael Jenkins (Ysgol Y Preseli) Discus – 51.65 (PB)
• William Trott (Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr) Pole Vault – 4.45
• Gracie Griffiths (Haverfordwest High) 3k Walk – 14:49.27 (PB)
• 4x100m Boys Relay (Callum Webb (St Joseph’s), Dylan Morgan (Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr), Jac Patterson (St Cyres) and Joseph Berry (Caerleon) – 41.60 (Welsh Record)*  

Silver

• Dafydd Pawlett (Haverfordwest High) Shot – 17.44
• Jac Patterson 200m – 21.71 (PB)
• Millie Carter (Olchfa) Pole Vault – 3.30
• Callum Webb 100m - 10.81 (PB)
• 4x100m Girls Relay (Jessica Lee (Dyffryn Taf), Nell Desir (Radyr), Tiwaah Boateng (Caerleon) and Teleri Jones (Llangefni)  – 46.99

Bronze

• Dylan Morgan 100m  – 10.86 (PB)
• Nell Desir 100m – 12.00 (PB) (Welsh Record)*

**Welsh Records to be ratified.

Also awarded on the day are the Charlie & Mona Hughes Awards which go to the most meritorious performances, congratulations to both Gracie Griffiths and Michael Jenkins, this year’s winners.

Gracie produced another solid championship performance and smashed her personal best with a comfortable win in the race walk. Michael saved the best for last with a massive sixth round throw of 51.65 metres taking him to the top of the UK rankings. Another mention must go the both our 4x100m relay teams, with the Boys taking gold and the girls silver, our thanks to both Lisa Waddon and Kevin Williams for the prep work with teams in the run in to the event as well as being on-hand to support on race day.

To highlight what could have been there were a further 6 fourth place finishes in individual events - this combined with no fewer than 29 personal bests.

The thanks of Welsh Schools go out to Zane Maynard (International Secretary - Morriston), plus the remaining management team made up of Naomi Davies (Cwm Rhymni), Matthew Collins (Fairwater), Lucy Griffiths (Milford Haven), Matthew Edwards (St Teilo’s), Alaw Beynon-Thomas (Gwent Is Coed) and Phil Warwicker (Cardiff Archers). Gerald Davies (WSAA Chairman), Dai Williams (WSAA Treasurer), Steve Jones (WSAA Support Officer) and Dai Gatehouse (Immediate Past Chairman) were also on duty supporting the athletes.

Steve Jones

WSAA Support Officer