BIRCHFIELD: STRONG CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
MIDLANDS CLUB ENJOY AN EASY VICTORY IN THE FIRST LEAGUE MATCH OF THE SEASON
MARTIN DUFF
Dan Bramble: top in a high-calibre long jump with 7.66m
MARK SHEARMAN
BIRCHFIELD HARRIERS got the defence of their title off to a fine start with a solid victory while Premiership new boys Liverpool and hosts Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow struggled.
The winners did not produce a single A-string victory on the track, but strong minor places helped the champions to amass the highest number of points from the running events. In an all-round show of strength they also topped the field points standings but did have two field-event victories through javelin thrower Greg Millar and high jumper Tom Parsons. Birchfield’s five wins in B-string events also helped their cause.
Max Eaves: 5.57m in the vault
Parsons was one of three jumpers over 2.20m, but all failed thereafter at 2.25m, with Barry Pender being awarded equal first and David Smith relegated to third on countback.
The high jump was marred by a freak accident to Sale triple jumper Ricardo Twumasi, who was only in the event to get points for his club.
Zane Duquemin: took a below-par discus competition
At a modest height he approached the bar and his leg gave way with a crack that could be heard some distance away. He was attended by paramedics for nearly an hour and was eventually taken off to hospital, but the high jump was delayed.
The event was eventually restarted and, with the remaining athletes’ preparations affected, the officials gave permission for coaches Fuzz Ahmed and Carol Jackson to sit within the fan to give the athletes reassurance.
Tom Parsons: won a delay-affected high jump with 2.20m
Parsons said: “I did not expect more, as I tore my hamstring in February.”
Pender, who has jumped 2.26m indoors, is focused on adding three centimetres to his best.
Greg Millar: took the javelin for winners Birchfield