Life’s grand as Campbell nets big win bonus

COUNTY internationals Zoe Derham and James Campbell picked up more than £1,000 each as they enjoyed a share of the prize money at the McCain UK Challenge Final in Cardiff.

The cash boost may not help them win medals when they travel to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games, but there is little doubt that it left both throwers very happy as they look forward to the crucial part of their seasons.

“That’s a massive help because I’ve been skint for the past year,” said Cheltenham javelin ace Campbell, who is in the Scotland team for his first senior championships.

UK number one hammer thrower Derham was equally delighted at the unexpected bonus as she continues to juggle a full-time job with the demands of training twice a day.

“The only help with funding I get is a small contribution from England athletics, but that comes to an end after Delhi and so this will be very useful,” said Derham.

The pair were joined by five other athletes in the share-out of the £5,000 pot on Saturday amounting to just over £700 each. With another £500 for winning their respective events on Saturday it was a good day’s work.

Not that either athlete had it easy.

Quedgeley-based Derham had to wait to the sixth and final throw of 65.93m before she finally over-hauled long-time leader Carys Parry

“I’m pleased with that because I made hard work of it all the way through,” added Derham. “I was having a nightmare.”

Campbell had trouble as he suffered bad cramp in his calf on his first throw but found that just over 70 metres was enough to win.

“I felt the cramp first during the warm-up so did just enough to win although that throw was my third worst of the season,” added the Cheltenham and County Harrier.

Nonetheless, both athletes came through the competition unscathed, richer for the experience and with their confidence boosted before the trip to the sub-continent.