Josh comes to the four with victory

JUNIOR ATHLETICS

JOSH Cowperthwaite claimed a fourth race success at the North Eastern Counties AAA Championships.

Cowperthwaite, who has celebrated previous titles at under-13, under-15 and under-17 level, this time took the under-20 crown at Gateshead’s Cardinal Hume School.

He led all the way, crossing the line 38 seconds ahead of Taylor Glover - who overcame the strong challenge of third-placed Alex Brown.

Morpeth narrowly beat Middlesbrough Mandale in the team competition.

Sam Charlton, the English Schools’ 3,000m champion, was untroubled in winning the under-17 men’s title.

Daniel Dixon took second place ahead of Will Bellamy.

Again, Morpeth just edged out Mandale in the team event.

In the under-15 boys’ race, 2017 under-13 champion Chris Perkins defeated his great rival Josh Blevins with Ethan McGlen taking third place.

In a close team competition, Morpeth defeated Gateshead on countback, North Shields Poly only a point behind in third.

Ines Curran maintained her impressive form to successfully defend her under-15 girls’ title.

This time her margin of victory was 29 seconds over the muchimproved Millie Breese with Katie Francis finishing third and leading Birtley to the team honours.

Tom Slane maintained his top local form to finish two seconds ahead of Ryan Davies in the under-13 boys’ race.

Ben Pye was third, Davies leading Morpeth to the team title.

Zoe Hill won the under-13 girls’ race, coming home three seconds ahead of Emma McNeill with Charlotte Dillon in third place.

Zac Brannon and Eden Creasey won the two open under-11 races.