Saturday, 31st August 2024
What a day! Saturday morning started with frantic attempts to help the Forth Valley League organisers source electronic race starting equipment which ultimately fell through and resulted in all races having to be started with a whistle. Whilst this likely means that all the race times are ineligible for the Power of 10 rankings, the day will remain memorable for some great performances and to make up for the rain-soaked CSSAL fixture the previous Sunday, finally some great weather! ?
The first race of the day saw Elsa take on the 70m Hurdles, her first attempt at the event. It was a great effort – an event that is not for the feint-hearted, Elsa safely crossed the line in 16,3 seconds.
In the U15 Girl’s Discus Megan and Emma took 2nd place in both the A & B events, only beaten by the Cumbernauld athletes who both broke the previous FVL League record. Megan smashed her PB by over 4m.
Lara, in the U11 800m ran nearly 10 seconds faster than her time from last season to finish 2nd and won the long jump with 3.78m (no official rankings for the U11 age group, but this would probably put Lara in the top 10 nationally).
Having already won the U15s 800m with ease, Cerys may have found another talent in the high jump clearing 1.40m in her first ever high jump competition!
I could sing the praises of the entire team of 28 athletes competing but special mention should go to Finlay who has been desperately waiting to run in his first race for Lasswade for a long time now (well, what would seem like a long time for a 9 year old!) but only became old enough to compete recently. A gun whistle to tape victory in the U11s 800m clocking 2m41.4 and followed up with a victory in the ‘B’ 200m, Finlay certainly had a day to remember.
Provisional Results seems to show us finishing in 3rd place on the day and 3rd in Division 2 overall.
As always, special thanks for our Officials and parent helpers. We probably set another record with the number of officials and helpers…
Ruth, Linden, Susan, Megan W, John, Harry, Alison were our qualified officials. Ken, Keith and Ainslie helped on the discus and Megan McLaughlin assisted with the results.
This season saw the introduction of the Spirit of the League awards for two athletes who demonstrated outstanding commitment to their training and competition and supporting their teammates. These awards are very special to Lasswade AC as they in memory of two of the Forth Valley League’s biggest supporters, Kenny Marshall and Angela McLaughlin, who were also Lasswade members.
Division 1 winner of the “Kenny Marshall Spirit of the League Award” was Ade Okunfolami from Corstorphine Athletics Club
Division 2 winner of the “Angela McLaughlin Spirit of the League Award” was Natalie Pilcher from Harmeny Athletic Club.
More great photos from the FVL photographer here