Records fall over weekend

Jun 15 2009 The Journal

A STRONG contingent of North East athletes clocked personal best times at the BMC Grand Prix Meeting at Watford.

Ricky Stevenson of New Marske took one second off his previous figures to win the 800m during Saturday’s event.

Gateshead’s Stacey Smith improved her best for 800m by 1.6secs, when finishing fifth in the main 800m event behind Oxford’s Hannah England.

Gavin Massingham of Sunderland and Ross Murray of Gateshead set new figures in the 1500m, while Shildon’s Kate Avery, in her debut over the distance, finished fifth in a good quality 5000m.

Three records fell at Saturday’s Northumberland Schools Championships at Gateshead International Stadium. Emma Pringle, Duchess High School, set new figures in the Senior Girls Triple Jump and Shot.

Newcastle’s Terry Morgan won the junior boys javelin, breaking the old record and for good measure also won the hammer.

Jayne Hansom, from the Tynedale area, won the intermediate high jump, long jump and sprint hurdles.

An exciting senior 800m saw Scottish-based Guy Learmouth from Berwick High School just defeat Andrew Richardson of Tynedale.

Morpeth Harrier Michael Dawson took eight seconds off the course record when winning Saturday’s Albert Park 5km at Middlesbrough.

Carolyn Summersgill of Middlesbrough and Cleveland was the leading woman, crossing the line in fifth place.