Harriers show off strength

May 7 2007 By Les Venmore, The Journal

Gateshead Harriers - who were without 30 athletes due to a clash with the British Universities' Championships - finished second in their first British League Division Two match at Chelmsford on Saturday, writes Les Venmore.

And for good measure their B squad won the Northern League Division Two match at Middlesbrough.

Gateshead's victories at the Southern venue came from Chris Boundy (pole Vault), Andrew Sturrock (110m hurdles) and Chris Sturrock (shot).

As there were no National Women's League fixtures, the Gateshead B squad were strengthened by several of their first-team athletes.

Titi Ameobi made a welcome return to competition, with a victory in the 100m, but best overall performance came from South Tyneside-based Border Harrier Sara Todd, who won the 200m and both hurdles races.

North Shields Poly won the Division Four match at Whitley Bay. Gina Rutherford gained an impressive victory in the 800m, as well as winning the 200m. Graham Level excelled in the Hammer and Birtley's Katy Wilson dominated the women's Hammer.

Meanwhile, Gateshead Harriers tied with Liverpool at the first match in the Young Athletes League Premier Division at the International Stadium.

Gateshead were one point behind their rivals before the final event, the Under-17s 4x400m Relay, but the Tynesiders' victory ensured both teams shared the honours.

Performances were affected by the strong wind, but Sam Hall's victory in the Under-13s Hurdles (along with the 200m and high jump) gained him the Male Track best performance award.

Jessica Ennis yesterday broke former Olympic champion Denise Lewis' national Under-23 heptathlon record.

The Sheffield University student scored 6,388 points, 101 more than her previous best, to win an IAAF competition in Desenzano, Italy.

Ennis finished 307 points ahead of France's Marie Collonville, with world championship bronze medallist Margaret Simpson of Ghana third on her return to competition after giving birth to her first baby. Lewis' record was 6,325.