Athletics: Cardiff’s men relegated from league’s top flight

Aug 6 2007 South Wales Echo

CARDIFF AAC’s Men’s team paid a heavy price for a disappointing defeat in the third round of the British Athletics League when they were relegated to Division Two on Saturday, writes Bob Cypher.

Last month’s third round match, in which the team were robbed of many of its regular performers by the European Under-23 championships and the Welsh Schools championships, meant Saturday’s fifth placing was just not enough to save them from the drop.

Despite the reverse, outgoing team manager Dave Hawthorn is confident the team can bounce back next season under an as yet unknown manager.

“We have the talent but no club can afford to lose so many of its best athletes because of other competitions,” he said.

“We still had some excellent performances with Brett Morse winning the discus, using the adult implement even though he is only 18 and usually uses the lighter disc for under-20s competition.

“Brett threw 55.65m, breaking the club’s senior record held by the late John Walters – a record that has stood for 35 years.”

“It also puts him third in the UK All-time lists for an 18-year-old,” he added.

Other victories were recorded in the 800m A and B races courtesy where the emerging talents of Joe Thomas and Joe Maynard were plain to see. Thomas won the A string race in one minute 53.59 seconds while Maynard won the B string in 1:52.76.