OCAC Juniors finish second at MK in NYAL

After two weeks of sunshine, this week the OCAC boys team performed solidly in their first National Young Athletes League match of the season in conditions better suited to water polo. Not surprisingly sprint times suffered, but this didn’t stop u17 duo of Tom Downs and Gift McLaren doubling up again to win the A and B string 100m and 200m, though this time honours went to Tom, who edged ahead for victory in both races. In the longer distances Oskar Gordon did the heavy lifting for Oxford with good runs in the 400m, 800m and 3000m, winning the last in 12:09.5s. Mark Warland did the same in the throws, returning two A string firsts (discus and hammer) and two personal bests (shot and hammer) in conditions which again didn’t suit throwers. Performance of the day went to Michael Ruiz whose appetite for jumping barriers knows no limits; here he tackled the unusual treble of 100mH (3rd), 400mH (2nd) and 1500m steeplechase,where, cheered on by the wet but enthusiastic Oxford supporters he went one better for 1st place in 7;09.0s. The u15s were again very competitive, with 4 first places and 7 PBs, and there were encouraging performances throughout the team, with Matthew Gain improving his high jump PB to 1.55 in only his second competition, to add to first in the 200m and second in the 100m. Max Tavinor knocked a 1.5s chunk off the PB he set last week at 400m, and there was more evidence of depth appearing in the throwing events, with the two Toms, Anstice and Napiorkowski ,again showing up well, supported by the Armstrong brothers. The under 13s are improving week on week, and this time turned in 6 Pbs, the pick of them going to Adam Smith in the high jump, while brothers Flynn and Jake Molan made vital contributions in their debut for the club. 
Another great result for the Girls at NYAL Milton Keynes on Sunday 02.05.10. despite the cold, windy weather.
The U13's were once again exceptional crowning their day with an awesome relay run by Charlotte Smith, Shaznay Sumbu , Beth Mulvany and Simi Fajemisin. Simi ran a personal best in the 150m of 21.0 and Shaznay ran a PB in the 800m 2.49.6 coming in just behind Alice Byles who won the 800m in 2.46.6 having led all the way.  A spectacular first 1200m run in competition by Charlotte Stafford who came in just 1second behind Beth Mulvany and a big thanks to Sophie Shorter and Charlotte Stafford for rising to the challenge and getting us points in the shot.
The U15's could have done with another team member but with all competing in 3 events and the relay they did well in the points.  Maike Chapel had a particularly outstanding day with a PB of 1.50 in the high jump and PB of 1.80 in the pole vault - an event she had never entered before but thoroughly enjoyed.  Emily Murphy and Mya Walker ran a great 800m.
The U17's were as ever with their top team spirit.  Emily Carstairs competing in field events only, due to the ankle injury she sustained last week.  Thank you to Hattie Papworth and Kathryn Munday who were persuaded to do the hurdles and did so well. Emily Moore was outstanding in the long jump and the triple jump and Adela Hussain ran a PB of 28.2 in the 200m.