PHOTOS:
The delighted Pembrokeshire Harriers' team
Captains Lydia Thomas & Aaron John with Corrinne Codd

 

 
The Gerald Codd Trophy (competed for annually in memory of a very influential person in Pembrokeshire athletics, who helped and encouraged many young athletes over the years) returned home to Pembrokeshire recently and after a fantastic day of athletics at the track at STP Haverfordwest it was the local club who fended off a strong challenge from old rivals Swansea.
 
What could have been a stormy, washout of an event, turned out to be a breezy, sunblessed, exciting competition as ex-hurricane Bertha altered course slightly at the last minute and shed most of her wet and windy tears over other parts of South Wales after having a little cry over Pembs beforehand.
 

Great support and a tight finish

 
Teams from Carmarthen Harriers, Swansea Harriers, Neath, Llanelli, Bridgend, plus Barry and Vale managed the tricky journey west, resulting in the fine sight of several hundred athletes and spectators basking in the sunshine on the grassy bank overlooking the track. 
 
There followed over five hours of keenly-fought competition with many personal bests and several records broken despite the conditions. It was nip and tuck throughout the day between Pembrokeshire and Swansea, with only a few points separating the teams after each event. After the exciting relays, the bank at the track was full of expectant athletes, club officials and supporters as the results were read out by Carmarthen's Hedydd Davies.
 
Real joy as captains collect the silverware
 
Carmarthen Harriers were pronounced third and when Swansea were announced as second, a great roar went up from the home crowd as Pembrokeshire Harriers had done it ! 
 
So it was that the late Gerald Codd's wife, Corinne, handed over the Trophy to winning team captains, Lydia Thomas and Aaron John. Only 20 points separated the top two teams which just showed what an exciting day it had been. It also emphasised the fact that it was a great TEAM effort by the athletes as every point counted.
 
There were many firsts and seconds but even those who finished slightly down the pecking order in an event contributed to the overall winning score. Every team member is an important part of the Harriers’ Squad.
 
A huge thank you to all those family and friends who helped out on the day, be it catering, spotting, recording, officiating, tent building, hurdles removals and cheerleaders. Without all your fantastic support we couldn't hold this important competition. Great Pembrokeshire team spirit !!
 
Also, a big thank you to all the teams and officials for turning up, especially after all the dire weather forecasts. Special mention once again must go to Hedydd Davies of Carmarthen. A great organiser and announcer who was very complimentary towards Pembrokeshire Harriers throughout the day.
 
Results:              
There were several pb's by the Harriers athletes on the day but special mention must go to record-breaking performances by Iori Humphreys ( U11B 800m ), Lydia Thomas ( U15G 75m Hurdles ), Abbie Williams ( U15G 1500m ) and the U15 Boys Relay Team ( Alex Varney, Ben Evans, Shaun Zygadlo and Aaron John ).
 
Details of all performances can be found on
http://www.pembrokeshireharriers.org.uk/track-field/news/new-:-gerald-codd-trophy-returns-home.html