Regional round-up

Jun 9 2008 The Journal

GATESHEAD Harriers enjoyed a surprise victory at the first British League Division One fixture at the International Stadium on Saturday.

In bright but breezy conditions, the Tynesiders, newly promoted from Division Two, came with a late surge to overhaul long-time leaders Trafford.

When it looked like Gateshead were heading for no individual victories, Ross Murray, the 2007 English Schools’ intermediate champion, produced a late burst to pass Kent’s Ben Wiffen to win the 1,500m.

In the process, Murray improved his previous best time by over half-a-second. Minutes later Richard Kilty, last year’s English Schools senior 100m champion, won the 200m. In doing so, Kilty reversed places with 100m winner Jeffrey Lawal-Baloc of Kent.

Kilty also set a personal best time, with a legal wind reading. He finished a close second in the 100m, clocking another personal best in legal conditions, though this performance was hand-timed.

The next track event, the final individual race, saw Ryan McLeod lead all the way to easily win the 5,000m. McLeod was having his first track race of the season, having been sidelined with injury since March. Meanwhile, in the final field event, Craig Sturrock maintained his excellent league record with victory in the shot putt.

Chris Sampson (3,000m steeplechase), John Stacey (long jump), Ade Babatunde (triple jump) and Ian Burns (javelin) all gained respectable second places.

Carlisle-based Border Harriers finished in fourth place, though they gained no individual victories.

The region's clubs could not match the strength of the City of York club at the second Northern League Division Two fixture at Jarrow. York were helped by a double victory from North Eastern champion Leslie Richards in the shot putt and discus.

Durham City finished second and their performance included victories from North Eastern 10,000m champion Rob Hand in the 5,000m and Jenny Baker in the high jump.

The Gateshead B squad finished third, while fourth-placed Middlesbrough were ably assisted by teenager Ashleigh Wood, who won the 100m, long jump and triple jump.

A Morpeth team consisting mainly of female athletes finished fifth. Laura Weightman gained a double victory in the 400m and 800m.

LES VENMORE