Shield Round 11

The prospects of Melbourne University Athletics Club sending two Division One teams to the Shield Final increased significantly with a strong win by the women of the White Train on Saturday.  MUAC’s Division One Women’s team claimed a 35 point win in Round 11 of Athletics Victoria’s Shield Competition at Aberfeldie on Saturday, 15^th of January.  An emphasis on participation and filling all events paid off as the team, currently in second position on the ladder, now has an eight point buffer with three rounds remaining.  The team effort was exemplified by Laura Portaro and Kath Clarke who competed in 6 and 5 events respectively, amassing big points for the team.

Team honours were matched with some outstanding individual performances.  Cath McRae won the pole vault with 3.70m and qualified for the Australian Open Track and Field Championships at the same time.  Kath Clarke, in one of her many events, won the 400m in 57.96 and was part of the winning 4x100m relay team with Rachel Painter, Carmen Deane and Emma Doyle.  Kate Scarlett and Sarah Castelino, fresh from a stint of altitude training at Falls Creek, both recorded personal bests in the 1500m, whilst Julie McNamara and Laura Portaro tackled the intimidating barriers of the 3000m steeplechase for the first time.

The men of the White Train followed the lead of the women, tackling new events and racking up big points for the team.  Leigh Goedecke and Kiao Inthavong went head to head in six events over the day, with the score 3 all at close of play.  Goedecke also recorded an impressive personal best in the 1500m, running 4:16.77.  Paul Kennedy, showing no ill effects from the battle with upstart Tom Barnes last week, won the 2000m walk in 9:03.88.

The White Train returns to competition this Thursday night at Aberfeldie.

Results.

Photos.