Yarra Ranges athletes readying for Regions

Ash Almond breaking the club Open Men’s Javelin record. Picture: SUPPLIED.

By Jamie Strudley

Yarra Ranges Athletics little athletics members went through their final preparations for next weekend’s Eastern Region Track and Field Championships on Saturday morning.

Athletes got to choose the events they wanted to participate in, mainly to practice ahead of the championships.

It was another fantastic turnout as athletes chased PBs and finetuned their preparation.

With over 100 athletes entered for the championships which cater for U9 through to U17 athletes, YRA look forward to some highlights and stories for the two days of competition at Doncaster next weekend. Athletes qualify for the Little Athletics Victoria State Track and Field Championships through their individual performances at the Region Championships.

Senior club members were in action during the week with competition at HVC and Vic Throwers events as well as the AVSL competition on Saturday.

Highlight of the week was the new club record from Ash Almond in the Open Men’s Javelin. Ash threw an awesome 54.80m on Thursday night taking out second place in his event. Liam Russell ran a steady third in his 200m, recording 24.33 seconds into a slight headwind.

The team was split between Doncaster and Murrumbeena tracks for round 10 of AVSL. Anne-Marie Ebbels was in record breaking form again, smashing her 50+ Hammer Throw record with a 31.39m throw. AVSL results are:

Women

– 100m: Ashleigh Rooke 13.28 (-1.9); Shani Bullard 14.20 (-0.2).

– 200m: Elisabeth Coffey 30.63 (-1.9).

– 400m: Ashleigh Rooke 67.08.

– 100m Hurdles: Shani Bullard 20.07 (-1.2).

– 2000m Walk: Emilie Garside 12:57.7h.

– 5000m Walk: Carolyn Rosenbrock 30:49.0h.

– Discus: Hayley Wilkins 28.89m; Ashleigh Rooke 27.67m; Meg Sparkes 25.21m.

– Shot Put: Hayley Wilkins 8.50m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 6.59m; Sharon Cook 6.56m; Meg Sparkes 6.50m.

– Hammer: Sarah Ebbels 32.08m; Anne-Marie Ebbels 31.39m;Meg Sparkes 13.40m.

– Javelin: Hayley Wilkins 31.88m; Ashleigh Rooke 25.65m; Meg Sparkes 15.66m; Shani Bullard 15.51m.

– Long Jump: Shani Bullard 4.31m.

– Triple Jump: Elisabeth Coffey 8.01m.

Men

– 100m: Liam Russell 12.23 (-2.0); Oliver Duncan 12.62 (-2.0); Craig Hewitson 14.09 (0.8).

– 200m: Joseph Johnston 28.18 (-0.5).

– 400m: Liam Russell 54.41; Craig Hewitson 66.01.

– 1500m: Bradley McMeeken 6:51.2h.

– 4x100m: (Shani Bullard, Ashleigh Rooke, Oliver Duncan, Liam Russell) 49.43.

– Discus: Ash Almond 26.88m.

– Shot Put: Ash Almond 9.10m.

– Javelin: Liam Russell 24.32m; Ash Almond 44.18m.

– Long Jump: Oliver Duncan 5.44m; Liam Russell 5.36m; Craig Hewitson 3.97m.

A busy week ahead for YRA club athletes with Eastern Region Little Athletics Championships at Doncaster, AVSL competition at Knox and a round of Vic Milers mid week. Good luck to all club athletes, especially those competing in championships.

Training for our six-12yo continues on Tuesdays from 4pm. Seniors training (13yo plus) is on Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve. Check the socials and website for more details and sessions available with our throws and jumps coaches. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.

If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of track and field registration is now open. Go to www.lavic.com.au or .athsvic.org.au or email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration.

For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check us out on Facebook. Run, Jump, Throw…too easy!