Team Isle of Man travelled to the Deeside athletics track in North Wales last weekend for the latest round of the Northern League.

In hot but breezy conditions, the Manx squad were again dominant winning their third Northwest Division One match in a row.

With points awarded for all finishing positions in each event, the Isle of Man success was again a real team effort. With many of the Manx athletes willing to compete in multiple events, the island was represented in most disciplines.

Max Hammal recorded a new personal best in the 800m race (Photo: Steve Partington)
Max Hammal recorded a new personal best in the 800m race (Photo: Steve Partington) (Steve Partington))

Leading by example were Northern League regulars Evelina Hand and Daniel Stewart-Clague, both of whom competed in seven events during the afternoon, while all-rounder Kyle Martin was close behind with six.

The league is a great opportunity for youngsters to gain experience and there were seven under-18 athletes in the Manx squad.

At the other end of the age-range, Preston-based Alf Oddie defied his 66 years by competing in all four throwing disciplines.

At 66 years old, Preston-based Alf Oddie defied his age by competing in all four throwing disciplines (Photo: Steve Partington)
At 66 years old, Preston-based Alf Oddie defied his age by competing in all four throwing disciplines (Photo: Steve Partington) (Steve Partington)

Youngsters Troy Turner (long jump and high jump) and Max Hammal (800m) were amongst a select group to set personal bests on what was a tough afternoon.

Within the results, the top performances of the day are highlighted using the IAAF point system.

Underlining the quality in the team, the Isle of Man had four athletes in the top 10, with Amy Christian (400mh) third, Zack Woodward (pole vault) fourth, Stewart-Clague (100m) fifth and Ben Sinclair (400m) seventh.

Zack Woodward finished a fine fourth in the pole vault (Photo: Steve Partington)
Zack Woodward finished a fine fourth in the pole vault (Photo: Steve Partington) (Steve Partington)

Points are also awarded for having a full contingent of officials and thanks must go to those who travelled with the team once again. A special mention for Moira Hall who was not only busy officiating but found time to run the 800m as well.

Attention now turns to the final league fixture at the end of August with three wins from three matches the Manx team are in a strong position to gain promotion to the NW Premier Division.

Thanks to all athletes and officials who travelled and to Petra Atchison for her usual faultless organisation.

STEVE PARTINGTON

The 4x100m B quartet of (left to right) Frankie Kennedy, Rory Turner, Ella  Crowe and Kyle Martin (Photo: Steve Partington)
The 4x100m B quartet of (left to right) Frankie Kennedy, Rory Turner, Ella  Crowe and Kyle Martin (Photo: Steve Partington) (Steve Partington)