AV Shield Round 1

MUAC started it’s track and field season on Saturday, October 10, taking to Aberfeldie Athletics track for AV Shield.  A dedicated bunch of athletes fronted up to support MUAC’s campaign to qualify two Division 1 teams for the AV Shield Final, as we did last summer. Amongst the athletes were three making their debut for MUAC: Michael Dyrks, Matthew Styles and Matthew Metcalfe. Whilst participation is the name of the game at AV Shield, there were some laudable performances with 10 MUAC athletes topping Division 1 in their event, including Cath Macrae who claimed first in the Pole Vault and Long Jump, and squad mate Kath Iannello who took out the Division 1 Discus. Mate Zahtila claimed the Javelin, Aaron Page the discus and MUAC took the Steeplechase double with Sarah McSweeney and Max Ueda. Sarah James open her season with a win in the 1500m in 4:49, not far off the National Qualifier.

Along with the three debutants, a further 10 athletes made their first appearance in competition for MUAC in our 125th anniversary year, which affords them the honour of wearing the commemorative uniform. Many thanks must also go to Phil van Dueren and the other volunteers who filled our duties for the day.

In early provisional team scores, MUAC looks to have taken second place in  Women’s Division 1, and first in Men’s Division 1, a remarkable start to the season given that MUAC’s women’s team consisted of only six athletes. Kath Iannnello led the way, scoring well in five events with Cath Macrae racking up points in three. The MUAC Men look to have had a close win, with the final result to be confirmed in days to come. A big team of veterans and freshers filled an impressive 72% of all scoring spots, including two relays. With nine rounds of AV Shield before the final, there are many more opportunities for MUAC members to get out and support the sash.

Some MUAC athletes retired to the front bar of The Clyde Hotel, which now offers impromptu speed dating, as well as a fine selection of beers on tap. MUAC athletes will be in action next weekend at the Australian Half Marathon Championships and the Victorian Marathon Championships, both part of the Melbourne Marathon Festival. The Sunday afternoon with be filled with celebrations as the MUAC Winter Awards are handed out.

Track and field continues the following weekend with Round 2 of AV Shield at Aberfeldie on Saturday, 24th October.

Results