On Saturday, November 28th 2009, Taylah Menzies scorched to a memorable win in the Norfolk Island Gift I00 metres - the blue ribbon event forming part of the afternoon's program in Athletics Norfolk Islands annual competition calendar. This was Taylah's first win following in the footsteps of her father Dylan, previous three times winner, and now adding her name to the perpetual trophy.

 

The Norfolk Island Gas Centre, as one of our major sponsors have continued to support the event and for her effort, Taylah received their generous first prize of $400 and bragging rights at becoming Norfolk's latest Gift champion. The Malcolm Champion Oval, at the Norfolk Island Central School, played host to the event and in a star studded final of the I00metres the battle for the minor placing's was fought out between Jackson Roberts, Douglas Donaldson and Britney Christian-Quintal. Jackson taking out 2nd place with a last second dip at the line pipping Douglas into third place with Britney finishing strongly, narrowly beaten into fourth spot. Chris Kenny, Judy Roberts, Ruby Menzies­ Thompson and Dylan Menadue filled out the final eight. 

Ten athletes fronted for the World Traders 400 metres, inducting the major sponsor for this event. Ian Anderson. With the athletes staggered according to age and sex factored handicaps it was difficult to pick an early favourite although Judy Roberts and Katie Walden were in fine form and clearly ready to race. From the gun, Jackson Roberts quickly reeled in his opponents with blistering pace down the back straight only easing back as he passed by Mum, Judith, on the home straight offering her some words of encouragement as he streaked by. Simply too strong, the title was his along with first prize of a $250 voucher from World Traders. Britney finished 2nd, only a few steps shy of Jackson and ahead of a fast finishing Chris Kenny in 3rd. Rising stars Dylan Menadue in 4th, and Mason Wilkinson in 5th, had spectators cheering on their efforts, both with gutsy performances in this longest of the sprint events. 

The most gruelling of the 3 events on the programme had to be the Middlegate Mile and with some of the individual stars resurfacing after the Around the Island Relay a fortnight earlier, it was clear this was going to be a keenly sought after title. Richard Cribb oozed confidence after having posted the fastest individual time for the Around the Island Relay, but past multi-time winner Trevor Calder, was keen to show "Cribby" who the best miler in the land was. Ian Anderson led the runners off as the handicap start was counted down and it was soon evident that as Trevor bolted from the gate that he was not giving up his tide without a scrap. It was up to Cribb to chase, burdened with a  nearly minute handicap behind Trevor, but despite a heroic effort he had to settle for 2nd behind Trevor who had hardly broken into a sweat in the hot humid conditions. Trevor picked up the first prize of a $150 voucher from the Gas Centre jointly sponsored by Athletics Norfolk Island and a $50 voucher from Foodlands that should keep him in stocks of Gatorade for at least a week. 

In another display of grit and determination the young guns of Mason Wilkinson and Dylan Menadue were too strong for some of the more seasoned veterans and picking up 3rd and 4th places respectively it was noted from spectators comments that they had recognised two very talented youngsters with great potential.

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Official Results and Prize List - Norfolk Island Gift 2009 
 

Gas Centre 100 metres 
1st Taylah Menzies $400 - Gas Centre 
2nd Jackson Roberts $100 voucher - All Seasons Colonial Hotel, $50 voucher Max's Department Store 
3rd Douglas Donaldson $100 Norfolk Island Building Supplies, First Aid Kit Westpac Bank 
4th Britney Christian-Quintal $50 voucher Cascade Motors, Voucher Jagged Edge Hair Studio 
5th Chris Kenny $50 voucher, Max's department Store 
6th Judy Roberts $25 voucher Pineridge Crafts

7th Ruby Menzies-Thompson $10 voucher Pete's Place 

8th Dylan Menadue $10 voucher Pete's Place 

World Traders 400 metres 
1st Jackson Roberts $250 voucher World Traders

2nd Britney Christian-Quintal $150 voucher World Traders 
3rd Chris Kenny $50 voucher Governors Lodge, Shirt Westpac Bank 

4th Dylan Menadue $50 voucher Foodlands

 

Middlegate Mile 

1st Trevor Calder $150 voucher Gas Centre/ Athletics NI 
2nd Richard Cribb $100 voucher South Pacific Resort Hotel, BBQ set Westpac Bank 
3rd Mason Wilkinson $50 voucher Governors Lodge, Picnic Blanket Westpac Bank 
4th Dylan Menadue $50 voucher Foodlands

 

Thanks to all of our sponsors for your generous support again this year and to the athletes for your participation. Last but not least to the spectators for supporting the athletes and to the Mums and Dads that assisted with the time keeping and lap scoring. Athletics Norfolk Island looks forward to seeing you on the track again next year.