Athletics 13 (1970)

In terms of results, this was probably the best Athletics year in the School's short history. It is difficult to escape the impression. however, that the standard of Inter-Schools Athletics is slowly de clining, particularly after half-term. The immediate reason is obvious: the position of University examinations, now in early and middle June, means that the thoughts of all but the dedicated few are far removed from Athletics and who can blame them? It is a tribute to the loyalty of the School's athletes that we manage to keep our teams intact better than almost anyone in the County, even if individuals are far from their fittest. It has become a tradition that boys honour their games commitments even when, to all intents and purposes they have left School for good. Dr. Watson, ever mindful of the School's games reputation, has always insisted on this policy and it is largely thanks to him that it is now accepted so readily by the vast majority of the boys.

Senior Athletics

The boys at the top of the School have always been a very talented group: their continuing success this year depended only on whether A levels would disrupt the team but not one of them ever let the School down in any way. We had a full turn-out at every match, right to the end of term, and this was amply sufficient to ensure success. The first match, at Northampton, was lost by a narrow margin, as was the SL Nicholas Shield, to Haberdashers. These apart, the team won everything, including the Borough Championships (we won all four cups this year for the first time). the Group Championship and the coveted Bowles Cup in the County Championships..

The good spirit which existed in the team was due largely to the captain, Phil Goulding, and the vice-captain, Simon Dennis, and my personal thanks go to them in particular for such an enjoyable and successful summer.

The following Senior School records were set during the year:
Javelin (200g) 188" 5"   R. Wickison
Hammer (12lb) 32 08m J. Harvey
Pole Vault 13' 0" P. Goulding

The following won County Championship events:
P. Goulding Mx. C.A.A.A Senior Pole Vault
H. Wickison Mx. Schools A.A. Senior Javelin
J. Cannon Mx. C.A.A.A. Junior Pole Vault
T. Roscoe 1913 Association Senior Javelin
B. Johnson Mx. Schools' A.A. 1500 metres

Intermediate Team

One of the two outstanding individuals in this age-group was David Crombie who won a trio of County Hurdles Championships and, after the end of term, the National Association of Boys' Clubs title at Peterborough. I don't think there is any doubt that, given normal improvement and application, Crombie could became the School's best-ever hurdler, and this includes Alan Clements, who was 3rd in the All-England in 1967.

The other was Steven Pinsent who also won three County titles and represented Middlesex at the All-England as a fourth-year boy. He should also go far next year if he can put on some body weight and groove his three turns during the winter. Pinsent was awarded the "Goulding" trophy as the season's most improved athlete. A third athlete, David Cox, the captain, is potential County material once his strength matches his size; he achieved a 42′ triple jump in the 1913 Championships final and there is no doubt that there is tremendous improvement to come.

Unfortunately, if apathy existed anywhere, it was in this team. This manifested itself in several boys not turning up for Sports Day finals, thus letting down their House, and in two or three boys allowing themselves to become really unfit once 'O' levels had started. The loyalty shown by the Seniors should have been a lesson to them. Intermediate School Records broken were as follows:
Hurdles 100m. 14.6 secs D. Crombie
Hammer (10lb) 45 metres S. Pinsent
Long Jump 19' 10" D. Cox

Junior Team

The results of this team did not match the others, largely because it was in this age-group that the standard was highest elsewhere, sometimes breathtakingly high. Nevertheless, the team did win the Borough Championships, for the first time ever, and several athletes of real promise emerged. Outstanding was J. Hall who won the 1913 Association Hammer Championship after being "instantly coached" by Pinsent. Martin, a second year boy, is one of the most promising sprinters the School has found for years, who did well to reach the County Schools' final a year early; Nash also had a good season but because of his small stature probably has a future over a longer distance, possibly 400m, or 400m hurdles; Lee was a real find over 800m. he is strong and fit but lacks relaxation when tired; Skoczek (800m) is inconsistent but there is no doubt of potential, particularly after a winter over the country, Newberry was the best of an enthusiastic group of Vaulters working with Mr. Dilley he quickly set a new Junior School record and only lack of experience cost him a place in the County Championships.

Junior School records broken were as follows:
Hammer (4 kilo) 39.84m J. Hall
Pole Vault 8' 6" N. Newberry