Our final Forth Valley League fixture of this season took place on Sunday at Grangemouth Stadium. A slightly weakened team due to holidays, it was a good opportunity for athletes to try new events and set performances to beat at their next outing.
In the under 11s, Zoe made her debut for the club running the 100m in 15.9s for 4th place in the A event – a great performance for her first race and followed it up with an impressive 200m taking 2nd place in the A event. Unfortunately, an issue with the timing meant that no time was given but I’m sure Zoe won’t hesitate to run another 200m again. Zoe was backed up in the sprints by Orla (100m, 17.8s) and Aoife (200m, 38.2s). Orla and Aoife also competed in the high jump for the first time, both clearing 0.9m which is a great achievement given that they’ve both only had a couple of training sessions so far. Laura was our only runner in the 800m, showing great determination over the last 200m, finishing 6th in a PB of 3m05.2s.
Our only U13 boy was Moses running in his first 100m recording 16.0s for 7th place. In the under 13 girls, Beth ran the 100m (5th in 15.2s) and the 200m (4th in 29.8s). Lucy set a new PB in 800m running 2m58.3s and also won the Javelin with 11.08m.
There was a much better turnout in the Under 15s age group with just a couple of empty slots on the team sheet. In the Under 15 boys, Ruairidh ran 14.6s in the 100m and recorded a PB in the long jump with 3m37s. Lewis also competed in the 100m and long jump, getting a PB in his 100m (16.1s) and 2m47 in the long jump. Jamie covered the 800m and 300m running 2m41.4 and 51s respectively. He was joined by Laurence in the 800m where a tough battle down the home straight rewarded him with a new PB of 2m12.6s.
In the Under 15 girls, both Emily and Yasmin recorded new PBs in the 100m. Emily broke 14 seconds for the first time taking a good slice out of her PB with 13.7s. Yasmin’s fast start saw her bring her PB down to 14.2s. Abbie had a busy day running both the 800m in 2m52.2s, the 300m in 48.3 and jumping 3m57 in the long jump for a new PB. Emily also competed in the long jump for the first time recording 2.72m. Bethan joined Abbie in the 800m finishing strongly with 2m28.0 for 3rd place in the A race.
This wrapped up the Forth Valley League for 2022. Despite being relegation from a tough Division 1 against some much bigger teams, it has been a good season for Lasswade who have suffered more than most other clubs at the hands of Covid. There are plenty of positives to take – lots of athletes enjoying competitions for the first time, lots of athletes trying new events and lots of new PBs. All things that puts us in good stead for next season when we hope to bounce back up to Division 1. The Forth Valley League is a great league to start competing in so hopefully more athletes will sign up to compete for their first time next season.
Thanks to the officials and helpers who assisted at this match (Ruth, Susan, Andy, Ken and Phoebe) and to all those who helped throughout the season. There are still some open graded competitions available for those looking for more competition opportunities.
