MattyB DEPT launches 2009/10 Domestic Season

The only thing hotter than the expected 39 degree temperature this weekend is the quality of competition at NSW Relay championships to be held at Blacktown this weekend.

The MattyB DEPT. will again represent the ACT thanks to the kind invitation of NSW athletics and will compete against clubs from all over NSW.  The team will travel up together on a bus and stay in a relaxed camp environment with many sleeping on air mattresses or in sleeping bags. The team building of the squad off the track this weekend is even more important than the successful exchange of the baton on the track  and will act as a springboard to a united approach to a big season ahead. Coach Matt Beckenham will have a total of 15 athletes running over the weekend in what symbolizes the start of the 2009/10 domestic season focused on strong performances in the NSW and Victorian Gift circuits and Commonwealth Games and World Junior selection.

The meet is set to be even more exciting , fun and full of close competition than last year where the squad was lucky enough to take home victories in the Men’s 4 x 100m, Men’s 4 x 200m, Women’s 4 x 100m and Women’s 4 x 200m.

The Men’s 4 x 100m relay was an outstanding race with 0.02 separating the top 3 teams with anchor Brandan Galic getting up in the photo finish.

Unfortunately Brandan Galic will not be there to bring the boys home this season but there will still be 2 strong men’s teams running for victory in the 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m relays.

The Men’s 4 x 400m team looks even stronger on paper this year. A squad trial was held recently to decide the make up of the team. World Championships representative Brendan Cole will lead the team with the first 3 placegetters from the trial Brendan Matthews, Tom Burbidge and Jesse Matthews making up the final team. Charlie Marques and Jaryd Cowley will run the heat allowing 2 of the top runners to be rested for one big effort in the final.

The Women’s 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m relay teams will again be led by National 200m Champion Melissa Breen. The 19 year will team up with 3 time 400m hurdles champion Lauren Boden, recent Macksville Women’s Gift Winner Ramona Casey and the outstanding 15 year old Chloe Jamieson who recently claimed the under 16 National 200m Hurdles record.

This year the squad will also field a Women’s 4 x 400m team. Lauren Boden will lead this team with the support of Ramona Casey, Tarin Nevin and Chloe Jamieson. Melissa Breen is very happy to be only the reserve for this event and it will take a great deal of negotiation to get her to the start line if needed.

MattyB DEPT. is expecting some strong competition this year with many athletes in their final stages of preparation for the Australian All Schools championships while others are keen to get out and support their clubs.

Good Luck to all competing this weekend and I’m  looking forward to having a drink with you over what is looking like an extremely hot weekend.

Men’s Teams

4 x 100m (A team) – Luke Storta, Brendan Cole, Patrick Elliott, Brendan Matthews

4 x 100m (B team) – Jesse Matthews, Stephen Sheppard, Tom Burbidge, Charlie Marques

4 x 200m (A Team) – Luke Storta, Brendan Cole, Tom Burbidge, Brendan Matthews 

4 x 200m (B Team) – Jesse Matthews, Patrick Elliott, Stephen Sheppard, Jaryd Cowley

4 x 400m (A Team) – Jesse Matthews, Brendan Cole, Tom Burbidge, Brendan Matthews (Reserves Jaryd Cowley, Charlie Marques)

Women’s Teams

4 x 100m (A team) – Ramona Casey, Melissa Breen, Lauren Boden, Chloe Jamieson (Reserve Tarin Nevin)

4 x 200m (A team) – Ramona Casey, Melissa Breen, Lauren Boden, Chloe Jamieson (Reserve Tarin Nevin)

4 x 400m (A team) – Tarin Nevin, Lauren Boden, Ramona Casey Chloe Jamieson (Reserve Melissa Breen)