ASHFORD Athletic Club senior team got their first season in the newly formed Southern Athletics League to a winning start in some style.
The new league sees both the men and women’s teams competing together in a combined competition. The team notched up no less than 28 victories with a large number of personal bests achieved in great conditions.
Ashford dominated the field events with a total of 19 wins, male throwers Jon Ward, Chris Kingsland-Roberts, Lee Swinbourne and Peter Wickens showing their strength and depth scoring 31 points out of a possible 32 including a great performance from newcomer Peter in the javelin throwing 54.04m, one of the longest throws ever produced in the club’s history.
The women matched the men’s efforts in the jumps, winning 7 out of 8 events including Laura Hanagan leaping to a massive new PB in the triple jump with 11.01m.
The team also showed their versatility on the track, gaining vital points across all distances and hurdles events.
Amelia Jones dipped under five minutes for the first time to win the 1500m and Lesley Hall won the B string 3000m giving the women two crucial track victories.
After the relay finales the team led by 28 match points and currently sit top of the league. The next match takes place on 21st May in Milton Keynes where the club will look to continue their winning ways.
Team Managers Pete Le Rossignol and Lucy Holmes said, “We would like to thank all 49 athletes, club officials and supporters for their efforts in helping to start the season in the best possible way.”

Tags: Amelia Jones, Laura Hanagan, Lesley Hall, personal best, Peter Wickens, Rachel Hanagan