Georgie Eastick and Gabrielle Cocking power through the water at Green Hill Lake as part of pre-season training with the Marcus Cooper stable. Picture: PETER PICKERING
ARARAT - The Marcus Cooper stable headed to Keilor to compete last weekend as part of the 2012/2013 Victorian Athletic League Season.
Head coach Cooper said compared to some of the recent performances the squad finished up the meet with some success.
"Ruby Klemm finished second in the 120 metre under 20s final, which was a really good performance," he said.
Jackie Scott made the same final and was placed in either fourth or fifth place, Fraser Heard finished just behind her.
"To have the three members of the team so close to the front made it a really good start to the day," Cooper said.
Tiffany Boatman made the 400 metre open women's final but placed back in the field.
"Tiffany has a lot on at the moment, it was stinking hot and she is playing netball in Ballarat on Friday nights so I think she just ran out of puff," Cooper said.
"I'm still very proud of where she is at, considering what she is doing, she has put together some really good runs."
Cooper said although Sarah Blizzard didn't make any finals she is returning to the track with form.
"I think Sarah has turned a corner and is starting to come good," she said.
"One of the things that can happen when you suffer an injury is a loss of confidence as well.
"We just have work on building up the confidence Sarah needs and is looking for so she can string some good runs together."
Cooper said the handicap on Corey Heard is what continues to hamper his efforts when racing.
"Corey is definitely on the pace, we just need the handicap to give him a lift," he said.
Cooper said his return to running will be complete at this week's Noble Park meeting.
"I've been training on the road and not pulling up sore, so that is a good sign," he said.
"Training on the Alexander Oval, I and other members of the club continue to pull up sore.
"We're really hoping we'll have a weekend without any further injuries."
Cooper said most of the squad will be travelling to Noble Park this weekend.
"We've Julia Boatman returning to the track after ankle surgery which has kept her out," he said.
"She has been back training with us for three weeks and it has been a slow process but she is getting there."
Boatman first had to walk the training regime on her return from surgery but has progressively improved and Cooper said she will see out the rest of the season.
The stable has ran every weekend for the last month and Cooper said the tiredness on some of the runners is starting to show.
"They've competed in Ballarat, Keilor now Noble Park and we have a few more to go so some have become tired and need a bit of a freshen up," he said.
"Hopefully with the extra couple of running meets at St Bernards this weekend and then Bendigo next weekend the runners will get the break or practice they need."
Cooper said members of the team performing well will travel to Burramine near Yarrawonga to compete in three weekend's time.
Moyston/Willaura netballers continue to train with the Cooper stable as part of their preparations for the 2013 Netball season.
"We've had the girls enjoying something different training with us down at the gardens, one tree hill and most recently out at Green Hill Lake," Cooper said.
"The club said they would like to be involved for six weeks to get their fitness level up ahead of when they start ball work."
