LONGWOOD Harriers posted a series of personal and season bests in the Northern League at Wigan.
Injury and Illness left many of the squad back in Huddersfield, yet a team of just nine still managed to do most events, such was the versatility and team spirit within the camp.
Long-time Longwood athlete Kirsty Leih epitomised this ethos, taking victory in the unfamiliar women’s 400m hurdles, before a second place in the 3000m.
She also took fifth in the women’s 200m and long jump, before starting the women’s 4x100m relay.
Not to be outdone, sister Meegan Leih bettered her hammer PB by almost 3m to cement herself in the top 100 Under 17 throwers in the UK.
This combined with battling efforts in the discus, shot putt and an anchor leg in the relay, put Longwood in good shape.
Susanne Pickersgill, so long a shining competitor for Longwood in all competitions, overcame an abscess to perform remarkably in the 100m, long jump, javelin and relay.
Making up the women’s team was Rachel Scholes who, once more, showed her versatility to do all four throwing events and a leg in the relay.
The boys team was led by club captain Anthony Bowyer, who put in a commanding shift, with a personal best in the 800m, and season’s bests in the 200m and long jump. He also had fifth place in the 400m and ran a relay leg.
He was well supported by Joe Butcher, who did well in the 100m and shot, before an excellent result in the 200m B String.
Veteran Eddie Berry claiming a superb SB in the 100m, and threw the hammer, discus, and javelin.
Debutant Phil Wright had a great day with an excellent throw in the javelin, before backing it up in the discus and shot.
Josh Elderfield took second in the 5000m, just outside his target of 17.30, and had an SB in the long jump before the relay.
