Youngsters’ success at Counties meeting
THE region’s young athletes were in fine form at the annual Northern Athletics Inter-Counties meeting at Hull’s Costello Stadium.
On a sunny but gusty day, the North East squad, under the guidance of Keith Willshire, Chris Mole and Alex Giles, didn’t have to wait long for their first victory as Aaron Lillistone (Blaydon) won the under15 boys 80m hurdles, and this was soon followed by their second win of the day as John Wilson (Blyth) won the B race.
In the field Jack Halpin (Gateshead), who narrowly missed out on a place on the podium in the English Schools’ Championships, won the under-15 shot competition and was ably backed-up by James Wordsworth (North Shields Poly) who finished second in the B contest.
In the under-15 boys 800m, English Schools’ silver medallist Henry Johnson (Houghton) was a convincing winner over two laps and then showed his versatility and keenness to help out the team by running the second leg in the sprint relay.
The North East also had notable sprint victories in the under-17 age group as Kyle Walton (Shildon) won the 100m A race and Josh Errington (Jarrow and Hebburn) was first across the line in the B event.
There was also a double success in the under-17 shot putt competition with victory in the A contest going to Andrew Knight (Morpeth) while Sam Gorman (Blaydon) was first in the B section.
Taylor Glover (Morpeth) finished runner-up in the 1,500, and then ran the 800m leg in the medley relay and helped the team of Kyle Walton, Joe Halpin and Sam Gorman to second position.
Amy Carter (New Marske) got the girls events off to a winning start by winning the under-17 80m hurdles, although this was to prove the only success for the NE girls on the day.
In-form Phillippa Ellis had to be content with three second places in the under-15 age group.
The Houghton athlete finished runner-up in both the hurdles and 100m and then anchored the relay team to second position.
Gosforth’s Rhiann Purves once again ran a solid race to finish in second place in the under-17 1,500m.
Despite finishing in third place on the day behind strong Yorkshire and Lancashire squads, Willshire was pleased not just with the athletes’ performances but also their excellent behaviour throughout the day.
“The athletes were a credit to the North East both on and off the track and they should be congratulated for that,’’ said Willshire.
“To represent your county is no mean achievement and every athlete who made the trip to Hull should be proud of that fact.
“I’d also like to say thanks to Chris and Alex for their support and to all the parents who made the trip who give their backing to the team, which was greatly appreciated.’’