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The 154th famous Alva Games took place in conditions which were far from ideal. Mist and drizzle were the order of the day and that sadly meant the loss of the highland dancing to the Johnstone Centre before a single step was placed on the Boards. The colourful and intricate movements of the Queens Gurkha Engineers however hepled to banish the blues of the watching public with their magnificent displays of traditional dance and martial arts. Definitely not something to try at home.
The crowd was only about half of the usual attendance but those who came - and stayed throughout the afternoon - were treated to some great sport. Eleven cyclists took to the track which resembled a skid pan by 5pm and the best of the bunch included Tim Allan of Glenrothes who took the overall points title and of course Evan Oliphant of Wick who kindly loaned back to the Games Committee the Andrew Huggan trophy for the 3200 metres Championship before taking the title again later in the day. He doubled up in the Deil, taking the Robert Snaddon trophy from older brother Lewis who was unable to defend the race following upon an accident at Newburgh Games in June.
Athletics are always the centre point of the field events and it was really a day for the back markers, particularly in the youth events. Douglas Paul from Dunfermline took all three races in which he competed (90, 200 and 400 metres) and all from the back marks of 6, 8 and 10 metres respectively. There were never going to be any records broken in the distance races but that did not stop some fantastic and exciting finishes. Back marker Scott McDonald of Alloa took the 1600m from Scratch with fellow scratch runner Michael Gillepsie from Dollar in third, separated as they were by Trevor Johnstone of Airdrie. They both went back "behind the line" in the longer races and Trevor got his revenge in the 2 miles, just holding off young Scott. He however picked up the Johnstone Trophy as the Athlete of the Day as judged by the track officials.
Heavy events were dominated by three of the seven attendees, Gregor Edmunds from Glasgow eventually picking up the top spot ahead of Polish brothers Sebastien and Lucasz Wenta. And what can we say about the Hill Racers. From 9 years upwards they set off in search of glory in the four races over Torry. Once again the story of the day was created by Alastair Dunn of Helm Hill Runners in Kendal taking his fifth consecutive title in a personal Alva best time of 20 minutes and 1 second, just missing out on his target of beating 20 minutes. Next year perhaps? The entry of 70 seniors was also an Alva record proving that the test of mettle and the generous prize fund on offer is a magnet to the fell runners of this country and abroad with Alva Australian Ross Morley coming home in a very creditable 29th place.
Australia was also represented by Guest of Honour Matthew Webster who along with partner Diane Mastrullo spent a full and enjoyable day on and off the field. Matthew dispatched the Championship Hill race and made a number of presentations of the prizes. He was fascinated by the mixture of disciplines on offer and has promised to return. We all hope that we do not have to wait too long.
12.07.2010. |
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A number of serving members of the Gurkha regiment are due to take part in the 154th Games to be held on Saturday 10th July 2010. Eleven have put their names forward to take part in the British Championship Hill Race and they will also be performing a number of traditional dances at the half time interval. It is some years since some Marines took to the hill in full fatigues so this is undoubtedly going to add some colour to this great event.
On which subject there are already nearly 50 runners pre-declared for the Adult race and, with more expected to enter on the day, it is hoped that the previous record entry of 66 might well be beaten on the day. Two former winners are in the entries. Steve Carr who was dominant in the 1980s and none other than Tommy Sedgewick from Burton who was the man to beat between 1968 and 1980 has come out of semi retirement to race again this season. A thrilling race is in prospect. Off time is 4.15pm.
07.07.2010. |
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Guest of Honour for 2010 named |
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GUEST OF HONOUR 2010 - MATTHEW WEBSTER
Our links with Australia have been growing over the last few years with the numbers of highland dancers from down under increasing year on year, the attendance of Melbourne based heavy weight athlete Aaron Neighbour and with the Open 90 metres having been won in both 2007 and 2009 by Canberra based Ken Telfer. It seemed only appropriate therefore when looking to invite our Guest of Honour for 2010 that the name of an Australian came to the fore.
The Committee is delighted that the Guest of Honour for 2010 is Matthew Webster, currently a resident of Melbourne and who will be undertaking a mammoth three month super tour of the world from the end of June. He was always intending to come to Scotland this year and, when we heard that, it seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up to ask him to attend in a formal capacity at Alva.
Matthew is a former sprint athlete of some repute. He had an illustrious running career spanning two decades on the professional circuit in Australia and especially in the Victorian Athletic League. He took over 20 “Gift” race titles, their principal sprint events in that state, and although he never managed the daddy of them all at the Stawell Easter Festival – the Australian Powderhall – he does have the distinction of taking the Bendigo Gift (run over the “Sheffield” distance of 120 metres) on two separate occasions, a truly inspirational feat.
Injury brought his career to a premature end but not his involvement in the world of professional and amateur athletics. He took on a number of roles in the VAL and was appointed its President in 1998, a role he performed for the next four years. He became a starter and was elevated for the 2009- 2010 season to the position of Chief Starter in VAL by another great Australian runner, Bill Sutton, who is now Chief Steward. Matthew also acts as photo finish operator and is regularly called upon to lend his expertise and opinions to athletics meetings under the amateur code, the highlight of which was undoubtedly in 2006 when called upon to officiate at the Commonwealth Games being held in that cauldron of Australian sport, the MCG.
Like our Guest of Honour last year, Matthew has just celebrated a “particular” birthday and we all wish him well for his big day with us and extend to him and to his partner, Diane, a very warm welcome to Scotland and in particular to the Johnstone Park. We hope he will take away with him a few good memories of his time with us and we know that you will all make him most welcome in our midst.
19.05.2010. |
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Games President honoured by Showmen's Guild |
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Campbell Lyon (left) receiving his life membership certificate from Guild President Jimmy Williams - full story below |
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Best Dressed Shop Window Competition 2010 |
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This competition was judged yesterday (6th July) by the usual judging panel - to ensure consistency of course - of Provost Derek Stewart, Margaret Malcolm and Doreen Harvey of the Community Council and Craig Dunbar, Games Secretary. In what proved to be one of the closest contests ever, the unanious verdict of the judges was to award the coveted first prize to No. 140 who had come third last year. Versatile was give second place and Tower Bakery third. Both of those shops were taking part for the very first time. There was only one point separating the next three entries including previous winners Nicols Opticians and Lynne Stewart.
Presentation of the prizes and trophies by Games Chairman, Provost Derek Stewart, took place on Friday 9th July at 10am at No. 140, to be found at 140 West Stirling Street. Thanks go to all who took part and for maintaining such a very high standard. The Games Committee would like to extend its thanks to Margaret and Doreen for all the work that they did in organising the contest and to the Community Council for putting up the prizes for all the competitors not coming in the first three.
Presentation picture in the 2010 Gallery.
09.07.2010. |
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