CAU INTERCOUNTIES ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Kyle Ennis made an addition to his athletics CV when finishing seventh in the final of the 200metres at CAU Inter-counties Athletic Championships over the weekend. Attending the championships running for Oxfordshire on ranking times he rated 16th of the athletes that competed in the 200metres.
This would be a new experience for him if to reach the final, he would have contest not only first round heats but also a semi-final and take on all three races on the same day.
The line-up included Commonwealth Games athletes Chris Clarke of England and Nigeria’s Femi Owolade plus other area champions, to make the final looked a tough ask.
Ennis came second in his heat behind the higher ranked Dan Putman, his finishing time the third fastest he had run over 200metres. The semi-final found him against four quicker rivals on paper and this being the second semi a faster race would book a place in the final. This he achieved finishing in fourth place and gaining a fastest looser place.
The final reached and anything better a bonus, pre-race favourite Clarke had recorded the fastest time in the heats but also pulled a muscle crossing the line which finished his chances.
Eight lined up for the start with Owolade now expected to win. This was not the case as Theo Campbell took first place from Omoloin Abiodun second in front of the Nigerian. Ennis seventh place a bonus. The final times reflected the three race day with all eight recording slower times than their earlier races.
Over the last week other local athletes have achieved recognition, four in the Under17/15 Midland Championships and two others in the Masters UK Championships.
In the Midland Championships the four younger athletes won two medals and all four high places in their events. Emily Thompson added a silver to win indoors in the under fifteen girls 800metres, at the same distance in the under seventeen boys age group Luke Sherlock finished fourth.
In the field events under seventeen year old boy Michael Dawes gained a silver and lifetime in the hammer. His younger sister finished sixth in the javelin,
In the Masters it was an excellent double for Bruce Hendrie in the veteran 65 age group winning both the 200 and 400metres. He this week is taking part in the European Master Championships in Turkey.
Perris Wilkins in his age group also gained a medal when finishing second in the discus.