July 2003

Weekly Round-up
(to July 27th).
At a very below-par A.A.A Championships, Jared Deacon was 5th in the 400m (46.59), after running a season's best of 46.45, when 3rd in his semi. Sadly this does not appear to be good enough, to earn a place in World Championships Relay team. Ian Holliday was the region's best performer clearing a personal best height (2.17m) to finish second in the High Jump. He also gained good television coverage. Mark Christie was joint 4th in the Pole Vault (4.96m). In the 400m Hurdles, Tony Borsumato was 3rd (49.49) and Liam Collins 8th (52.08) (50.99 ht). Peter Gordon was 10th in the Discus, with a lack-lustre throw of 47.18m. Ruth Irving was 9th in the Long Jump (5.72m). In the 5000m, Dave Anderson was 8th (14:16.16), Steve Hepples 11th (14:21.00), and  Andy Caine 13th (14:24.91).
Unless something drastically is done, this event will lose even more status, than it has done over the last few years. Though not a fan of the American trial system, for major Championships, it might wake some of the supposed "elite" athletes (and their coaches) up, if it was first three past the post.
Gateshead Harriers won the third National Junior Premier League match at Wavertree, and remain top of the table. However, they were only 7th in the Womens' match, and occupy the same position overall. Middlesbrough-Mandale finished 6th. Must admit did not know meeting was on, until I read match result in AW. Leading results are as follows: 200: 2 D Daniel 22.0. 400: 2 B Walploe 50.4. B: 1 L Robson 50.5. 1500: 1 S Pogue 4:06.9; 3 C Lamb 4:10.2. B: 1 R Stephenson 4:11.4. 400H: 1 K Flannery 56.8. HJ: A: 1 D Burns 1.90. B: 1 J Stacey 1.90. LJ: 1 S Nyananyo 7.05; 2 G Jackson 6.88. B: 1 L Robson 6.45. TJ: 1 G Jackson 13.93. B: 1 J Stacey 12.67. SP: 2 C Sturrock 13.61. DT: 2 G Hill  44.55. B: 2 L Richards 43.57. Women: 400: B: 2 V Wester 58.9. 800: 2 A Gibson 2:20.5. B: 2 D Watts  2:24.4. 1500: 4 S Evans 4:50.2. 100H: 3 E Morris 15.4. HJ: 1 E Morris 1.78. HT: 4 E Foster 34.82.
Border and Houghton and Peterlee, finished 2nd and 4th in both matches, in Tyne (?) Division fixture at Pitreavie. Ian Dodsworth won Pole Vault (4.40).
At the Swinside 6M on 23rd July, Mike Scott was first (32:25) ahead of Steve Murdoch (33:33). Dennis Hayes was first M60 (40:21).
Ashley Maddison had star letter in AW regarding some Field  Events, not being held in main arena at English Schools Championships.
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Heaton Harriers Jesmond Dene Handicap.
Mon. 28th July.
North Shields Poly athlete, Rob Walker clocked the fastest time, at last night's final race in the Heaton Jesmond Dene Handicap series. Walker finished in 15th place behind race winner, Clare Watson. Newcastle University student, Hannah Wootton was the fastest lady of the evening. Vicky Gilroy of North Shields Poly won the Overall Series title.
Result. Distance 5.5km.
1 C Watson (unatt, L) 27:48; 2 G Doughty (unatt) 28:00; 3 P Gold (Heat, L) 28:41; 4 D Tait (Salt) 28:48; 5 J Thompson (unatt) 28:50; 6 K Lawson (unatt) 28:50  Fastest Times: 1 R Walker (NSP) 17:43; 2 R Stephenson (NSP, U20) 17:46; 3 C Lamb (CleS, U20) 18:09
Women: 1 H Wootton (Newc U) 20:53; 2 A Fox (Morp, U20) 21:21; 3 J Elliott (Blay) 22:47
Overall Series: 1 V Gilroy (NSP, L) 60; 2 C Horsfield (Conc, L) 64; 3 L Anderson (unatt) 68; 4 P George (Conc) 69; 5 C Aynsley (Morp) 74
(Newcastle Journal: Tues. 29th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Only report used on 30th (this despite fact space was booked on 29th). Will resubmit result for next Monday (4th August). 75 finishers (at least 2 dropped out), which is probably record for 4th fixture. Wet during race, but faired up later. Quite a lot of on-the-night entries including several boxers (5th and 6th were). The winner, from the Weardale area, was off 1 minute. Walker and Stephenson were off 11:30. Chris Lamb off 12:20, I think had just returned from holiday. Wootton off 9:10, had nearly been caught by Fox (9:20) after 3km.
Other fast times included Nicholas Gold 18:32, Nathan Shrubb and Paul Besford 18:33, Phil Walker 18:46, Barry Jameson (19:49) and Alex Haynes (a good run in 11th place) 18:50. Womens' times included L Smith (Blay) (14th)(23:42), Gwen Cavill 23:52 and Natalie Dawson 24:08. Near back was Bernie Cordes. Has he been injured ? Further info to follow when full result known.
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Sundry News.
Sun. 27th July.
Gateshead Harrier, Chris Parr, English Schools' champion over 3000m, finished 6th in the 1500m final at the European Junior Championships, at Tampere, Finland. Parr clocked 3:47.65, with A.A.A and English Schools' champion, Tom Lancashire of Bolton taking the silver.
Former North Shields Poly athlete, Gemma Fergusson, the current North Eastern champion, finished fifth in the 100m Hurdles in a time of 13.73. Fellow Britain Simone Belle, took silver.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 28th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Info (all used) from ukathletics website. 1500m was a straight final. Gemma Fergusson, I understand, now lives in Warrington.
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Victorian 10k Road Race.
Marske-by-the-Sea.  Sun. 27th July.
Rickie Wilson of Scarborough, provided too strong for the North East opposition, when winning yesterday's Victorian 10km at Marske. In the hot conditions, Wilson, 5th last year, soon headed the field by some 20m before Gateshead's Micky Thompson and 2002 winner, Rob Hand of Durham joined him approaching the 2km point. Hand lost contact at 4km, and the leading pair were still together before Wilson, recent winner of the Kilburn 7M, kicked for home with 1km remaining. Hand, nursing a slight injury, finished in a distant third place, but still had the consolation of being the first veteran.
Fell running specialist, Sheila McVeigh from Cumbria, comfortably won the Women's race, with veterans occupying the first six places..
1 R Wilson (Scar) 32:40; 2 M Thompson (Gate) 32:47; 3 R Hand (Dur, M40) 35:12; 4 M Siddall (Pocklington, M40) 35:39; 5 R Williamson (Loft) 35:49; 6 S Martin (M&C) 36:50; 7 M Melbourne (Loft) 37:13; 8 R Simpson (Bill MH) 37:17; 9 V Tindle (Sun, M50) 37:25; 10 K McVeigh (Cumb AC, M40) 37:40  Further Veterans: M55 - 1 M Walker (Gosf) 38:20; 2 M Frostick (Hart) 39:07  M60 - R Sherwood (N Marske) 41:59  M65 - 1 M Harper (N Marske) 43:30; 2 S Edwards (N Marske) 43:44
Women: 1 S McVeigh (Cumb AC, W45)  41:29; 2 C Jackson (unatt, W35) 42:42; 3 S Gayter (N Marske, W35) 45:16; 4 S Brown (Scar, W35) 47:01; 5 L Woods (N Marske, W50) 47:10; 6 L Connelly (N Ayc, W35) 47:17; 7 S Pascoe (N Marske) 47:23; 8 L Allamby (N Marske, W45) 49:09
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 28th July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. 134 finishers, which was better than 2002. Results courtesy of Graham Hall. Rob Hand felt twinge on hamstring and eased down. However, he like others (eg Mike Walker), wonders why such a flat course, produces such slow times ? I gather it was very hot in shaded parts, although got cooler, though still sunny, as race progressed. Dave Whitmore was 84th in 48:28. Brian Titley was starter, befor going on to NYSD League, at Darlington.
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Sunderland Harriers 5km Road Race.
Silksworth Sports Complex.  Wed. 23rd July.
Michael Openshaw of  Birchfield repeated his 2002 victory in last night's Sunderland 5km Road Race, at Silksworth. In the windy and humid conditions,  Openshaw waited until the halfway point before pulling clear of his nearest challengers, Mark Hood of Sunderland and Neil Wilkinson of Salford. Leading veteran Brian Rushworth finished in 4th place, but had the consolation of taking the bronze medal in the incorporated North Eastern Counties' championship, as Wilkinson does not have the necessary qualification. Chester Le Street gained a clean sweep in the Womens' race, but this time Morag McDonnell comfortably defeated defending champion, Dianne Henaghan, with Alyson Dixon taking third place.
Result.
1 M Openshaw (Birch) 14:28; 2 M Hood (Sun) 14:50; 3 N Wilkinson (Salf) 14:55; 4 B Rushworth (Sun, M40) 15:06; 5 T Wall (Morp) 15:16; 6 R Kemp (Sun, U20) 15:20; 7 T Doughty (Sun, M40) 15:33; 8 R Walker (NSP) 15:49; 9 R Hand (Dur, M40) 15:49; 10 M Tomlinson (CleS) 15:53; 11 P Embleton (CleS, M45) 15:55; 12 M Armstrong (Hart) 16:08; 13 J Moore (Heat) 16:10; 14 G Thraves (CleS) 16:19; 15 G Hilton (Morp) 16:23
Further Veterans: M45 - 2 T Power (J&H) 17:10; 3 D Anderson (Walls) 17:13  M50 - S Winter (CleS) 17:44  M55 - S White (Els) 17:25  M60 - R Wilson (Sun) 19:05  M65 - I Barnes (Darl) 20:39  M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 21:57  U20 - 2 MM Armstrong (Blay) 16:30  U17 - A Muir (Blay) 17:16
Women: 1 M McDonnell (CleS) 16:38; 2 D Henaghan (CleS, W35) 17:12; 3 A Dixon (CleS) 17:20; 4 M Dodd (Bing) 18:17; 5 S Allen (H&P, W45) 18:17; 6 S Evans (J&H, U20) 19:06; 7 M Czarnecka (Scar) 19:27; 8 C Ratcliff (Dur, W35) 19:39; 9 G Adams (Gosf) 20:05; 10 C Summersgill (M&C) 20:13  Further Veterans: W40 - D Elliott (CleS) 20:21  W50 - H Mitford (Heat) 23:05  W55 - S Wilson (NE Vets) 22:48  W60 - C Lee (Gosf) 21:39  U17 - C Harrison (Sun) 21:00
NECAA Championship: 1 Openshaw; 2 Hood; 3 Rushworth
Women: 1 McDonnell; 2 Henaghan; 3 Dixon
(Newcastle Journal: Fri. 25th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Not used on 24th July, but used (and edited) Friday (25th) 199 finishers, though there were well over 200 on lap 1. Long delays at the Tyne Tunnel probably affected turn- out from North of  river. Overcast and humid but gusty. Apparently it was difficult breathing and there were a lot of dry throats around. Conditions spoiled any record (14:25) chance. Mark Hudspith was expected to compete, but did not turn up. Morag finished in 20th position. I think this is the first time she has defeated Dianne in a Road race. Angela H missed race due to a virus infection.
Wilkinson tried to break field early on but was unsuccessful. A good quality M60 race, saw Colin Bolton (19:29) finish second ahead of Phil Lancaster (20:03). In M65 category, George Smith (20:47) was ahead of Ian Barnes (carrying an injury), at halfway. Eric (161st) again beat Dave Whitmore (185th in 23:51), this time by nearly 2 mins. Syd Robson, on the eve of his 70th birthday, finished in 197th position (29:57). He was last early on but passed two approaching halfway. Heaton had poor turn-out for second Summer GP event. Ann Grenfell and Margaret Finn, were watching, but were injured. Other performances: 125 Howard Gold 23:51; 167 Malcolm Gibson 22:17; 178 Helen Mitford (25L). Footnote: Since learned that Colin Bolton was first M60 in 19:39.
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North Eastern Counties'  A.A Relay Championships.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Tues. 22nd July.
Gateshead Harriers broke the UK club record when winning the Under 17 4 x 400.
In the ideal conditions, the quartet of Ben Walpole (51.0), Daniel Pope (51.0), Kieran Flannery (50.3) and Lewis Robson (49.6) ran away from their senior opposition. Their time of 3:21.9 bettered the UK record by 1.3secs, and was a massive 8.7secs inside the 6-year-old championship best. Gateshead were even lacking the services of the holidaying English Schools' 400m Hurdles champion, Craig Crawford-Glanville. The Tyneside club also set new figures in the Under 17 Womens' 4 x 100, with the quartet of Roisin Willi, Sophie De la Hunt, Jane Baron and Carly Jones bettering the old record by 1.1secs. The Senior Mens' 4 x 800, produced a good race, with Morpeth and Gosforth both inside the previous record of 7:54.5, set by the runners-up in 2002. Vince Wilson returned a time of 1:56.0 on the first leg after a slow opening lap of 62secs. Richard Kay, Mark Brown and English Schools' 1500m bronze medallist Kirk Wilson maintained the advantage. Drew Graham's last leg of 1:54.1, for Gosforth was the fastest in the race. Gateshead were the evening's most successful club, with a team consisting of Junior athletes, winning both the Senior Womens' events contested.
Results.
Senior Men:  4 x 100: Jarrow and Hebburn 45.8  4 x 400: 1 Morpeth 3:39.1; 2 Elswick 3:40.9; 3 Jarrow and Hebburn 3:55.0  4 x 800: 1 Morpeth 7:48.4 (CBP) (V Wilson 1:56.0, R Kay 1:55.7, M Brown 2:00.7, K Wilson 1:56.0); 2 Gosforth 7:50.9 (M Nicholson 1:57.7, L Timmins 2:00.5, P Hutton 1:58.6, D Graham 1:54.1); 3 Tynedale 8:14.6
Under 17 Men: 4 x 100: 1 Gateshead 45.4; 2 Morpeth 46.7  4 x 400: Gateshead 3:21.9 (UK Club Rec) (CBP) (B Walpole 51.0, D Pope 51.0, K Flannery 50.3, L Robson 49.6)
Under 15 Boys: 4 x 100: 1 Morpeth 48.1; 2 Gateshead 48.6
Under 13 Boys: 4 x 100: 1 Gateshead 53.6; 2 Chester Le Street 55.4; 3 Gateshead B 56.2
Senior Women: 4 x 100: 1 Gateshead 51.5; 2 Middlesbrough-Mandale 51.7; 3 Morpeth 52.6  4 x 400: 1 Gateshead 4:05.3; 2 Morpeth 4:12.7; 3 Middlesbrough-Mandale 4:14.3
Under 17 Women: 4 x 100: 1 Gateshead 49.7 (CBP) (R Willi, S De la Hunt, J Baron, C Jones); 2 Middlesbrough-Mandale 51.1; 3 Morpeth 53.0
Under 15 Girls: 4 x 100: 1 Middlesbrough-Mandale 52.1; 2 Gateshead 52.6; 3 Sunderland 53.8
Under 13 Girls: 4 x 100: 1 Gateshead 56.8; 2 Jarrow and Hebburn 59.9; 3 Sunderland 60.8
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 28th July 2003).

Additional Comments: This is AW report. Put mini-report in regarding Gateshead's record but not used. Will resubmit results. Weather overcast and warm, but almost windless. Good meeting (it usually is). Bigger entry in Senior sprint Relays but poor quality (Vince W could afford to run last leg in 4 x400 in 60secs). Congratulations to the very strong Gateshead record-breaking team. Tom Patton was also on sidelines. Gateshead's Senior Womens' teams were 4 x 100: Sophie Evans, Vicky Wester, Rachel Forrest and Vicky Carmichael, who snatched victory from Middlesbrough in last 10m. 4 x 400: Carmichael 62.4, Forrest 62.8, Anastasia Dopierala (an excellent 60.3 on her first hard run over the distance) and Wester 60.0. I think this was probably a club Junior record, judging by their reaction. Gateshead line-up info from Kevin Flannery. Nisha Desai clocked a fast 57.5 on the third leg for Morpeth. Tynedale's last leg runner in 4 x 800m was Nick Little, who held of R McLeod. Elswick were fourth in the Senior 4 x 800m in 8:16.8. Their team was Peter Dodd, Steve Horn (2:01.1), Mark McLeod and Ryan M (1:57.3). Morpeth were only Senior Womens' 4 x 800 team, but did not line-up as expected in Men's race. Jarrow's 4 x 100m team included Dave Robertson and Adam Rogers, followed by D Fudge and a slower runner, who I did not recognise. Richard Hunter was supposed to hold a throws Triathlon at meeting (shades of Denis Field), but it was cancelled (knew nothing of this taking place, but apparently some would-be contestants were not informed). Lauren Arthur was not running for Gateshead U15 team. Fay Winspear caught and passed them on final leg.
Honoured to be presenting medals on evening, was George Patterson.
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Veterans A.A - North East Track and Field League.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.  Mon. 21st July.
The strong wind affected performances, with Sudanese Hassan Ismail easily winning the main BMC 800m event. Despite the conditions, several of the younger athletes gained personal best times. World Masters champions were in attendance with Peter Gordon (M50) throwing the Senior implement in the open event. Double Relay gold medallist Eric Smart easily won the M45 200m.
Results.
Open 400: 1 A Rogers (J&H) 50.1; 2 P Jones (Walls, M40) 54.8
BMC 800: 1 H Ismail (Sudan) 1:50.2; 2 R McLeod (Els, U20) 1:55.5; 3 S Pogue (Midd, U20) 1:55.7; 4 G Watson 1:55.9; 5 J Minter (Midd, U17) 1:56.1; 6 S Dunn (Midd) 1:56.9; 7 K Wilson (Morp, U20) 1:57.6
B: 1 S Moralee (Dur, U20) 1:57.6; 2 J Wardman (R&Z) 1:58.0; 3 R Stephenson (NSP, U20) 1:59.4; 4 T Patton (Gate, U17) 1:59.4; 5 A Piggford (Hart, U17) 1:59.7; 8 N Shrubb (Morp, U17) 2:01.9
M40 - 200: P Jones 25.5  800: 1 R Hand (Dur) 2:09.9; 2 G Harden (Sun) 2:12.9  3000: 1 R Hand 9:20.4; 2 G Harden 9:47.8  LJ: 1 D Dixon (Bord) 5.81; 2 A Ritson (SSh) 5.20  HT: S Donkin (Birt) 28.98  JT: 1 K Ridley (Birt) 36.06; 2 S Donkin 32.63; 3 J Wood 32.26
M45 - 200: E Smart (Gate) 25.1  JT: T Cornwall (Birt) 26.38
M50 - 800: G Pemberton (NE Vets) 2:20.4. 3000: 1 A Jenkins (Morp) 10:21.2; 2 G Pemberton 10:28.5. LJ: G Pemberton 4.86.  DT(n/s) (2kg): P Gordon (Gate) 51.44
M55 - 200: D Tate (NE Vets) 28.9  DT (n/s): T Hudson (J&H) 33.20  HT: T Hudson 32.83. JT: 1 T Hudson 30.95; 2 D Tate 26.84
M60 - 200: R Smoult (NE Vets) 29.8  JT: J Hampson (Dur) 22.78
M65 - 800: G Smith (Gate) 2:47.7. HT: H Ryan (NE Vets) 26.15  JT: H Ryan 22.20
M70 - 3000: E Appleby (Heat) 12:51.6  DT(n/s): D Field (Sun) 36.57  HT: D Field 25.57 JT: D Field 30.90
M75: HT: R Laidler (Sun) 18.95  JT: R Laidler 22.31
Women
BMC 800: 1 K Johns (Gate) 2:09.6; 2 C Robson (Tees, U20) 2:12.9; 3 N Desai (Morp) 2:14.1; 4 A Gibson (Els, U20) 2:18.3; 5 C Wilson (Morp) 2:18.9; 6 L Huston (Carl A, U17) 2:21.0; 7 G Cavill (Morp, W35) 2:21.9; 8 D James (Morp, U17) 2:26.4
W40 - JT: K Partridge (Crook) 22.12
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 28th July 2003).

Additional Comments: This is AW report. Will submit results only. Good turn-out in BMC events, but poor in veterans' competition. Overcast and quite breezy. Vince Wilson was A race pacemaker (54.3 at bell) and Ketan Desai obliged in Womens' (65.4) and B race.  Other times in BMC B race were: 7 Alex Haynes 2:00.7 and 9 John Moore 2:02.6. Personal bests I think at least by Stephenson, Haynes and Shrubb (by 0.1sec). Good run by Claire R. Eric was sole Heaton veteran competing. Very few lady veterans in attendance, with none gaining AW standard. Lynne Marr was leading W40 in 800m and 3000m. As usual "invitation" Discus (PG, TH and DF, where was JW ?), took place when more or less everyone, had gone home.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 20th July).
According to AW, Morpeth were second to Bingley in their final YA League meeting at Cleethorpes (they thought they had won), which could affect their promotion prospects. More to follow.
Michael Openshaw won the Northumberand Coastal Run on 20th July in a time of 1:21:01. Paul Lowe (1:22:42), Ieuan Ellis (1:22:50), Ian Handyside (1:23:46), Neil Armsworth (1:24:57) and Les Atkinson (1:25:08) completed the first six. Jimmy Bell (1:29:18) was leading M55. Judith Nutt (1:36:47) was first lady ahead of Karen Mitchell (1:40:29) and Alison Raw (1:41:16). Results (surprisingly) courtesy of AW, but only leading info available.
At the Inter Services Championships at Tidow (16th July), Steve Redshaw (RAF) won 800m (1:54.73). Ian Holliday won High Jump (2.12) at Trafford Grand Prix meeting (15th July).
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News Snippets.
19th/20th July.
Gateshead Harriers won their final National Young Athletes' Northern Premier League match at Leeds, yesterday. The Boys squad won the overall title and the Girls' finished third. Both teams now compete in the main final at Birmingham in early September.
Sunderland veteran, Steve Coxon gained a North Northumberland double when winning yesterday's second Wooler 10km Road Race. Coxon, who won last week's Coquet Challenge 10km, clocked 36:06 comng home ahead of Morpeth's Paul Johnson.
Cleveland's Gavin Hill, competing for England, won the Discus at Saturday's Schools' International match at Cardiff,  with a throw of 47.53m. Durham's Lewis Robson was second in the 400m Hurdles (54.43), a similar position occupied by Cumbria's Adrian Holliday in the Steeplechase (4:27.61). Richard Buck from North Yorkshire won the 400m (48.50). As expected, England were successful in the team competition.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 21st July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used but in small print. Wooler info from Kevin Carr. (further AW info: 2 P Johnson 37:10: 3 M Tereira (J&H) 40:02). YA League from Chris Betts but only match results available (further info from AW included : U17 400: 1 B Walpole  50.6  U15: 100/200: 1 R Harrison 11.9/24.3  LJ: 1 D Blackett 5.63  B: 1 A Kamara 5.62  U17W: 100; 1 S De la Hunt 12.8  300: C Jones 42.1 B: R Willi 42.2). Schools details from Tom Pollak (Hill) and Peter Mulholland via AW results. Very windy apparently. I assume Buck and probably Robson were part of winning 4 x 400m team (3:19.89). Footnote: Buck - yes, Robson - no.
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National Young Athletes League.
Northern Division 1 at Jarrow.  Sun. 20th July.
Host club Houghton and Peterlee were unable to hold the challenge of Barnsley, at yesterday's final fixture of the National Young Athletes League, at Monkton. The windy conditions affected performances, but Danielle Phan completed a treble for the Wearsiders winning the Under 17 80m Hurdles, Long Jump and Javelin.
Results.
Match: 1 Barnsley 413; 2 Houghton and Peterlee 266; 3 Rotherham 256; 4 Tynedale 190
U17 Men:  3000: A Hudson (H&P) 10:17.8  1500St: S Stewart (Tyne) 5:08.3  PV: G Heppell (H&P) 2.50  HT: R Ward (H&P) 33.08  JT: S Stewart 36.04
Under 15 Boys: 400: 2 J Sinclair (Tyne) 56.4  LJ: P Allen (H&P) 4.82
Under 13 Boys: 1500: R White (Tyne) 5:18.9
Under 17 Women: 80H: 1 D Phan (H&P) 14.3  LJ: D Phan 4.67  JT: D Phan 30.40
Under 15 Girls: 1500: V Angus (H&P) 5:15.4
U13 Girls: 75: 2 N Pearson (H&P) 11.1  150: 2 N Peason 21.1
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 21st July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used but in small print. Weather bright but breezy. Very low key with Barnsley the strongest team both numerically and performance wise. Plenty of incomplete fields and surprisingly, a lack of numbers from Rotherham. Competing for the South Yorkshire teams were several girls who were result carriers for the press at Sheffield. One was 2nd in U15 800m and another 2nd in U15 High Jump. Not sure but this Rotherham result could have cost them promotion, enabling Morpeth to go up (to be confirmed later). Andrew Hudson was having his first race for H&P. He is a complete novice, but also ran a 61.4 secs 400m relay leg. I gather Tynedale were second bottom, and will get relegated.
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British Athletics League Cup.
Semi Final.  Gateshead International Stadium.  Sat. 19th July.
Gateshead Harriers could not match the overall strength of British League clubs, Trafford and City of Edinburgh, at Saturday's semi final round of the British Athletics/UK Womens' League Cup. The first two teams progress to the main final and plate, respectively, at Bedford, next month. Gateshead  finished in 5th position with the main proportion of their points coming from the field events. Recently crowned Over 50 champion at the World Championships in Puerto Rico, Peter Gordon was still good enough to win the Discus, against much younger opposition. English Schools' bronze medallist, Graham Jackson won the Triple Jump and Lisa-Marie Shippen was successful in the Hammer.
Selected Results.
Match: 1 Trafford 229.5; 2 City of Edinburgh 200.5; 3 Pitreavie 193; 4 Blackpool and Fylde 179; 5 Gateshead 173; 6 Leeds City 159; 7 Wakefield 155
Men: 100: 1 B Rund (Edin) 11.1; 2 B Geddes (Gate) 11.3  200: 1 B Rund 22.5; 2 S Conolly (Gate) 23.0  800: 1 T Nimmo (Edin) 1:54.1; 3 M Elliott (Gate, U20) 1:57.8  1500: 1 R Hooton (Edin) 3:58.1; 3 S Horn (Gate) 4:06.0  HJ: 1 S Livingstone (Edin) 2.00; 2 J Hardie (Gate) 1.95  TJ: 1 G Jackson (Gate, U20) 14.64  SP: 1 I McMullen (Traff) 15.67; 2 C Sturrock (Gate, U20) 13.35  DT: 1 P Gordon (Gate, M50) 49.63  HT: 3 D Maggs (Gate) 37.41  JT: 2 I Burns (Gate) 64.02  4 x 100: 3 Gateshead 43.4
Women: 400: 1 M McDonald (Edin) 56.8; 4 V Wester (Gate, U20) 59.6  800: 1 K Hill (Traff) 2:11.7; 2 P McCrea (Gate) 2:12.4  3000: 1 A Dickie (Wake) 9:55.3  TJ: 1 N Nwidobie (B&F) 11.03; 3 S Evans (Gate, U20) 10.44  SP: 1 E Cank (Traff) 11.74; 3 L Weatheritt (Gate) 11.16  DT: 1 E Cank 46.20; 2 N Baker (Gate) 35.75  HT: 1 L-M Shippen (Gate) 43.28
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 21st July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used but in small print. Bright day, but strong breeze which affected sprinters. Results sheet with long throws and Relays, not received so that info (less detailed) from Chris Betts. This was marginally better than Northern Cup match, but these competitions are no longer popular with most of the region's clubs. Gateshead, who had a weakened Womens' team, did not want to qualify for final. Kingston upon Hull scored six points with their sole 400m Hurdler. Wakefield's challenge was affected because of the combined match. (Very strong Womens' team but weak Men). Victoria Wester (stomach trouble ruled her out at Sheffield), performed quite well. She ran third leg of long Relay (61.5), and first leg of sprint Relay. Running a disastrous first leg of long Relay and a distant 4th in 3000m, was a comeback making Claire Harrod. Where has she been ?
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Hartlepool Old Monks 6M Multi Terrain
High Heselden. Wed. 16th July.
Result.
1 M Donkin (Sun) 35:14; 2 K Johnson (Hart) 36.17; 3 J Laws (Sun, M40) 37:09; 4 P Milburn (N Ayc, M40) 37:17; 5 A Minister (Hart) 37:30; 6 R Simpson (Bill MH) 37:43  Veterans: M50: 1 V Tindle (Sun) 39:07; 2 P Richardson (NE Vets) 39:50
Women: 1 T Waller (Hart) 42:23; 2 S Milburn (N Ayc, W45) 44:32; 3 F Beedle (Hart, U20) 44:45
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 21st July 2003).

Additional Comments: Results courtesy of Mark Armstrong. Only submitted results due to non topicality. 56 runners. This was Mark Donkin's first open race victory.
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North Eastern Athletics League.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear.  Wed. 16th July.
Best performances on a cool breezy evening, came in the Under 15 Girls' age-group. English Schools' champion Ashley Maddison won the Discus and Lauren Arthur (6th in Sheffield) was first in the 100m.
Results.
Senior Men
100: A Rogers (J&H) 11.0. 1500: 1 M Hood (Sun) 3:55.3; 2 R Kemp (Sun,U20) 3:58.7; 3 M Brown (Morp) 4:00.2; 4 M Hudspith (Morp) 4:01.7; 5 M Elliott (Gate, U20) 4:03.2; 6 C Lamb (CleS, U20) 4:05.3; 7 M Armstrong (Blay, U20) 4:06.6; 10 L Moses (N Ayc, U17) 4:17.5. B: 3 G Harden (Sun, M40) 4:25.2. DT: 1 P Reed (Morp) 50.92; 2 P Corrigan (NSP) 35.10
U17
100: P Moore (Morp) 11.2. 1500: 1 N Shrubb (Morp) 4:10.9; 2 J Young (Morp) 4:13.1; 3 A Piggford (Hart) 4:13.5; 4 R Floyd (Morp) 4:16.5; 5 S Hall (Gate) 4:17.0. TJ: 1 D Blackett (Gate, U15) 12:84; 2 A Renwick (Gate, U15) 11.84
U15
100: 1 A Dalby (Gate) 12.0; 2 Renwick 12.4; 3 P Thomas (J&H) 12.4
U13
100: J Cowie (Gate) 13.3. 1500: 1 S Ruddick (Blay) 4:51.3; 2 J Hewitt (Gosf) 4:58.6; 3 G Ritchie (J&H) 5:04.0; 4 C Fairclough (Sun) 5:07.7
Senior Women
100: H Wilson (Hart, U20) 13.0. 1500: 1 M McDonnell (CleS) 4:35.4; 2 R Brown (CleS) 4:44.9; 3 L Jackson (R&Z) 4:48.0; 4 S Evans (J&H, U20) 4:49.1; 5 A Gibson (Els, U20) 4:50.0; 6 A Hunter (J&H) 4:52.9; 7 C Ratcliff (Dur, W35) 4:56.2
U17
100: 1 J Graham (NSP) 12.6; 2 C Jones (Gate) 13.1; 3 J Baron (Gate) 13.1. 1500: D James (Morp) 4:53.9. HJ: A Pearsons (Duch HS) 1.56. DT: S Dodd (Els) 27.53
U15
100: L Arthur (Gate) 12.7. DT: A Maddison (Gate) 33.80
U13
100: 1 N Pearson (H&P) 13.7; 2 L Hayes (Morp) 14.0. 1500: E Murray (J&H) 5:36.9

Additional Comments: This is AW report/results as Bill McGuirk was first in Chronicle. Though I understand (from Claire S) that McDonnell's time was not a pb. Richard Kemp, however, did set a pb.
Conditions were much cooler than of late, and quite breezy. There were a lot of middle distance best times posted, including that by Sarah Evans (by 6secs). Overall turn-out was down on previous meeting, with only 1 competitor in U13 Girls' 1500m. She (Eleanor Murray) competed with Under 15's (3rd of 5). Best performers were Lauren Arthur (Maddison was successful in Meeting 1) and either Daniel Blackett (who gained a Grade 1 standard, but as a guest in an older age-group) or Paul Moore. Arthur's time was disputed by Derek Wilcox. Alan Johnson led all way in his comeback race. Lewis Moses wanted to run Senior race for "time", but would have fared better in U17 event. There was only one competitor in 2000m Steeplechase. He was persuaded to run 1500m instead and was last in B race.
Non AW Standard Performances included:
Senior Men: 1500: 8 J Moore (Heat) 4:11.6; 9 D Swinburne (Morp) 4:13.6; 11 N Zissler (R&Z, U17) 4:25.2  B: 1 A Johnson (Els) 4:11.8  HJ: 1 D Robertson (J&H, U20) 1.65; 2 B Robertson (NSP) 1.65  LJ: D Robertson 5.98
Under 17 Men: HJ: D Ritson (SSh) 1.40  LJ: R Ritson (SSh) 5.00 DT: G Clare (Gate) 25.95
Under 15 Boys: 1500: J Gibson (Gate) 4:37.1  DT: T Borthwick (Gate) 24.80
Senior Women: 100: 2 N Roe (Morp) 13.4; 4 H Robson (J&H) 15.8  DT: A-M Larkin (Gate) 13.79
Under 17 Women: LJ: 1 L Hunter (SSh) 4.67; 2 N Garthwaite (SSh) 4.66
Under 15 Girls: 1500: L Dodsworth (Gate) 5:29.6
Footnote: Johnson is actually now over 40.
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Weekly Round-up
(to July 13th)
Steve Coxon won Coquet Challenge 10km (must have been well over distance) on July 13th in 38:09. Jimmy Bell was 2nd (38:56) and Darren Purvis (Birtley) was third (40:05). Kathryn Waugh was first lady in 6th (42:06). Liz Graham was 2nd (48:52) and Suzanne Hunter 3rd (52:01). Heaton's four runners were: 25 Howard Gold 45:09; 39 Allen Mulliss 50:57; 42 John Josephs 51:15; 74 Pam Gold 57:08 (6th lady). 113 ran. Results courtesy of www.coquetchallenge.com.
Paul Johnson won Amnesty Run on Town Moor, but as usual no further details. David Tait and George Routledge (in that order) were among other runners in the 85 strong (according to PB) field. Apparently Chris White was in attendance.
Eric Appleby struggled in heat in Kilburn 7 ( 85th in 59:51). He was beaten by another M70, J Standring of Hartshead (57:26) and also Dave Whitmore (58:57)!  Rickie Wilson (Scarborough) won race in 39:50 from Martin Armstrong (40:33). Sheila Allen won Womens' race (45:06) finishing in 11th place overall. Erica Johnson (now Swaledale) was second (47:53). 148 finished. Results courtesy of Mark Armstrong..
Michael Openshaw won Norwich City Centre 5km (12th July) in 14:28, defeating Ben Noad by 1 sec.
Barry Stephenson won Pitstop 10km at Croft (9th July) in 33:03 ahead of Malcolm Grainger (33:31), and Alisdair Tatham (35:20). Sheila Allen won Womens' race (38:21) from Alison Raw (38:41) and Dawn Richardson (39:21). Rob Walker won Sunshine 5km on Quayside in 15:40, from Michael Thompson (15:45) and Matthew Tomlinson (15:59). Denise Todd retained her ladies' title (18:40) from Andrea Banner (19:41) and Kim Davison (20:05).
At closing stages of World Masters Championships at Puerto Rico, Eric Smart had a busy time. He was 4th in M45 200m (23.63) and 5th in 400m (53.98 after 53.63 heat). He was also on the winning team in the 4 x100 (44.67) and 4 x 400 (3:37.0). Alan Dent was 6th in the M45 10000m (35:26.75). Jim Caddy was 6th in the M75 1500m (7:04.83) and 3rd in 10000m (56:51.95). Info courtesy of AW. Footnote: Apologies to Kevin Archer, who was 2nd in M50 1500m (4:24.23) and 4th in 800m (2:08.61). I was probably looking in M45 results !
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Heaton Harriers Women Only Jesmond Dene Run.
Mon. 14th July.
Claire Smallwood won last night's Heaton's Women Only Jesmond Dene Run, for the 5th successive year, leading a clean sweep for her club, Jarrow and Hebburn. Returning to competitive action after being sidelined with injury for 5 weeks, Smallwood had a more cautious start than usual, but soon pulled away from her clubmate Angela Hunter, who took second place. In third position was Sarah Evans, who ensured the South Tyneside club retained the team title.
Result. Distance 5.5km.
1 C Smallwood (J&H) 20:23; 2 A Hunter (J&H) 20:48; 3 S Evans (J&H, U20) 20:56; 4 Z Tucker (Bitton) 20:58; 5 A Onsia (J&H) 21:07; 6 C Robson (Tees, U20) 21:29; 7 T Laws (Derw) 21:35; 8 G Adams (Gosf) 21:40; 9 M Stephenson (Unatt) 22:01; 10 V Russell (Els) 22:12  Veterans: W35 - S Welsh (Morp) 23:25  W40 - S White (Tyne) 22:36  W45 - S Laws (Derw) 22:29  W50 - P Leslie (Heat) 24:25  W55 - P Gold (Heat) 26:37  W60 - V Hancock (Dur) 23:39  Teams: 1 Jarrow and Hebburn 6; 2 Gosforth 42; 3 Tynedale 55
(Newcastle Journal: Tues. 15th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Info used but report + results edited. 173 finishers. This is down on recent years, but there were fixture clashes with similar events. About 209 advance entries, and about 30 on night (including 3rd and 4th). Very warm evening, especially in Dene. Although she was entered, I was surprised to see Claire run (though Jimmy said she was still better than Angela and co in training). This was third successive team victory for J&H. The fifth runner is Belgian and lives in Jesmond. Claire Robson was third after first loop, but faded, though her time was similar to two previous years, when she was third. Not sure I agreed with prizes in veterans' categries. The first W35 had a few non prize-winning older veterans, in front of her. Among VIP's present (apart from Jimmy Hedley and Bill McGuirk), were Terry Lomax (marshal), Trevor Hopkins and Dick Balding. Jo Smith was first Heaton counter in 12th position (22:17). Other Heaton placings were: 29 Pauline Leslie; 36 Dawn Parker (a new name to me !) 25:04; 37 Shirley Atkinson 25:06; 43 Helen Mitford 25:38 (3rd W50); 58 Pam Gold; 110 Janice Padden 29:59. The team was 4th.
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North of England Inter Club Cup
Clairville Stadium, Middlesbrough.  Sun. 13th July.
Leeds City and Kingston upon Hull were too good for the local opposition, winning the Mens' and Womens' matches in the first round of the Northern Inter Club Cup at Middlesbrough, yesterday. Durham City also progressed to the Mens' final narrowly defeating Morpeth for second place. Shaun Moralee gained a fine middle distance double for Durham. Morpeth, helped a lot by Paul Reed in the throws, join Richmond and Zetland in the Plate Final at the same venue, in August. Morpeth's David Swinburne opened the track programme, with victory in the 10,000m and took with it the North Eastern Counties' title. Sadly the only other runner in the field with a regional qualification was 5th placed, Paul Sellars of Durham (38:22.7), who therefore took the silver medal. Morpeth did finish second in the Womens' competition and so proceed to the final. Nisha Desai gained a fine treble in the 200m, 400m and 800m, and also clocked a 57.3secs Relay leg for the second placed 4 x 400m team.  Results.
Men: 1 Leeds City 82; 2 Durham City 78; 3 Morpeth 76; 4 Richmond and Zetland 66; 5 Kingston-upon-Hull 58; 6 New Marske 48
100: A Selby (Morp, U20) 11.6  800: S Moralee (Dur, U20) 1:58.0  1500: S Moralee 4:15.9  5000: 1 M Burrett (Leeds) 16:07.3; 2 R Hand (Dur, M40) 16:08.1; 3 L Atkinson (Morp, M45) 16:11.4  10000 (incorp NECAA Championship): 1 D Swinburne (Morp) 32:59.0; 2 E Williams (R&Z, M45) 33:10.8  110H: P Coates (Dur) 18.7  400H: 1 A Wilson (KuH) 57.4; 2 P Coates 58.7  HJ: S Stanislaus (R&Z, U17) 1.79  LJ: D Armstrong (R&Z) 6.10  SP: P Reed (Morp) 14.97  DT: P Reed 50.43  HT: 1 M Gulliver (Leeds) 50.06; 2 P Reed 41.83  JT: 1 M Gulliver 38.32; 3 P Reed 37.63
Women: 1 Kingston-upon-Hull 57; 2 Morpeth 44; 3 Hull Achilles 41; 4 New Marske 29
200: N Desai (Morp) 26.0  400: N Desai 58.3  800: N Desai 2:13.5  LJ: J Straker (Morp) 5.02  TJ: 1 N Clark (KuH) 11.67; 2 J Straker 11.22
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 14th July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Conditions were hot, but quite breezy. After being at English Schools Champs, this was VERY much an anti-climax. Not sure if this competition is of interest any more ? (original hosts Middlesbrough-Mandale and Gateshead both pulled out). To be fair the Mens' competition was quite exciting, with the lead changing (even Morpeth led) at regular intervals, before Leeds pulled away. David Swinburne, on his debut over the distance on the track, clocked 16:27 at halfway. He dropped Williams after 2M, but was caught again at 4.5M. The pair were together before the winner threw in a 65secs final lap. Only 7 ran, including two R&Z guests (Mike Brooks was 7th in 39:37.2). The 5000m was a good race, but only the winner was a non-veteran. Rachel Abbs, competing as a guest, was first in the Long Jump (5.20m approx). Helping as officials (for Hull Achilles) were former internationals, Bob and Pam Piercy.
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English Schools Track and Field Championships.
Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield. Fri/Sat/. 11th/12th July.
Durham emerged as the region's most successful county taking two gold and three bronze medals, on the second day of the English Schools' Track and Field Championships, in the heat of the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield. Durham had already gained one gold medal, when Ashley Maddison won the Junior Girls' Discus on Friday. In one of the most eagerly awaited races of the day, Chris Parr from St Joseph's Hebburn, started the Durham success story with victory in the Senior Boy's 3000m. The race was very open before Ryan McLeod of Northumberland made a long kick for home with 600m remaining. Only Parr could cover the break as the challenge of race-favourite Tom Humphries of Staffordshire, fell away. Parr passed his rival with 150m remaining, clocking a personal best time as did runner-up McLeod. It was Parr's first Schools' title adding to his silver medals over this distance as a Intermediate in 2001 and Senior in 2002. The other Durham winner was Craig Crawford-Glanville, who again had to overcome a strong North East challenge in the Intermediate 400m Hurdles. Crawford-Glanville, who won the Junior flat 400m title in 2001, led from gun-to-tape and as in his heat clocked a personal best time. Third place went to team mate and fellow Biddick School, Washington pupil, Lewis Robson, who snatched the bronze medal in the final strides from Northumberland's Kieran Flannery. Robson, who succeeded the winner to take the Junior flat 400m title in 2002, did however receive a call-up to represent England in the International match at Cardiff this weekend, ironically replacing Crawford-Glanville, who is unable to run due to holiday commitments. Emma Morris (Senior Girls' High Jump) and 2002 Intermediate champion, Graham Jackson (Senior Triple Jump), were the two Durham bronze medallists. Kirk Wilson gained a bronze medal for Northumberland in the Senior 1500m, behind defending champion, Tom Lancashire (Greater Manchester). However, McLeod and Wilson apart, there were no other medals for Northumberland, who host next year's event at Gateshead International Stadium. Dean Daniel of Cleveland, who set a championship record of 21.44 secs in his heat a day earlier, had to be satisfied with the bronze medal, in the Intermediate 200m. His team mate Gavin Hill, who won the Discus in the same age-group, on Friday, joins Robson in the England team for Cardiff. Also on International duty will be Cumbria's Adrian Holliday, who was second in the Intermediate Steeplechase. This was Cumbria's second medal adding to Lee Doran's gold in the Senior Javelin on Friday. Middlesbrough-Mandale Harrier,  Andrew Lagan, running in the North Yorkshire colours, took bronze in the Junior Boys' 800m. After having no sponsorship for several years, the English Schools Athletic Association, received a massive boost when the NASUWT donated £50,000 for future development in Schools athletics.
Selected Results.
Senior Boys: 100: 1 J McNeil (West Mids) 10.61; 7 K Eseonu (North'd) 10.93  400: 1 S Toye (Essex) 47.35; 5 S Gill (Cleve) 49.88  800: 1 C Reynolds (Essex) 1:49.51; 5 D Graham (North'd) 1:55.53  1500: 1 T Lancashire (Gt. Manchester) 3:47.78; 3 K Wilson (North'd) 3:53.41  3000: 1 C Parr (Dur) 8:20.52; 2 R McLeod (North'd) 8:22.90  PV: 1 C Tremayne (Staffs) 4.90; 4 I Dodsworth (Dur) 4.35  TJ: 1 G White (Warwicks) 14.93; 3 G Jackson (Dur) 14.72  SP: 1 K Kelly (Wilts) 15.54; 5 C Sturrock (Dur) 14.32  DT: 1 S Cooke (Sussex) 51.23; 4 L Richards (Cleve) 46.57  HT: 1 K Chester (Kent) 62.95; 5 A Smith (Cleve) 51.95  JT: 1 L Doran (Cumb) 61.15  4 x 100: 1 Warwickshire 42.54; 4 Cleveland 43.45
Intermediate Boys: 200: 1 J Thomas (Middlesex) 21.54; 3 D Daniel (Cleve) 21.82  400: 1 R Buck (N Yorks) 48.11; 6 T Crow (N Yorks) 49.98  1500: 1 R Newton (Lancs) 4:04.83; 6 L Timmins (North'd) 4:08.53  1500mSt: 1 D Russell (Middlesex) 4:17.15; 2 A Holliday (Cumb) 4:22.16  400H: 1 C Crawford-Glanville (Dur) 53.68; 3 L Robson (Dur) 54.34; 4 K Flannery (North'd) 54.52; 8 D Pope (Dur) 57.50  DT: 1 G Hill (Cleve) 52.50
Junior Boys: 100: 1 G Phiri (S Yorks) 11.07; 6 R Harrison (North'd) 11.43; 8 L McElwee (Cleve) 11.47  800: 1 J West (Cornw) 1:56.15; 3 A Lagan (N Yorks) 2:02.20; 7 A Stanton (Dur) 2:05.07  LJ: 1 L Thomas (Middlesex) 6.49; 4 A Kamara (North'd) 6.00  TJ: 1 S Wynter (Middlesex) 13.28; 7 D Blackett (North'd) 12.35
Senior Girls: 200: 1 K Jones (Staffs) 24.25; 4 T Ameobi (North'd) 24.56; 7 V Carmichael (North'd) 25.55  HJ: 1 E Sweeney (Mersey) 1.72; 3 E Morris (Dur) 1.66
Intermediate Girls: LJ: 1 A Harris (W Mids) 6.03; 5 R Abbs (Dur) 5.55
Junior Girls: 100: 1 T Dorsett (Middlesex) 12.15; 6 L Arthur (Dur) 12.48  SP: 1 L Millward (Staffs) 13.21; 6 K Hutton (Dur) 11.35  DT: 1 A Maddison (Dur) 35.65  JT: 1 L Boggis (Oxford) 37.27; 4 R Fleary (Cumb) 31.58
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 14th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of info used (though a small snippet from Friday, was well edited). As usual an excellent meeting. Weather was cool and breezy on Friday, but very hot (though still breezy) on Saturday. In first race of championships, Samantha Coleby was third in her heat of 75m Hurdles. Her time of 11.82 was a pb, just missing the British record for a 12-year-old. She lost out by one place to get to final, but Max is confident of her chances at Gateshead, next year.
In Senior 3000m, Chris Lamb was 9th (8:41.32) and Paul Hutton was 12th (8:45.32). Long standing records were broken by Emily Pidgeon in JG 1500m (4:27.70) and Dani Barnes in SG 800m (2:05.18). Old record holders were Jo Davis (Pavey) and Diane Edwards (Modahl), respectively. It may be academic as Vicky Wester did not run heat of 400m, but had Ashley Gibson been taken for 800m (as she deserved to be), Northumberland would have had a more-than-useful 4 x 100m Relay team. Eseonu (RGS) plays for England Schools at rugby. He won his heat in 10.88. James Minter was disqualified, after finishing an easy second in his 800m heat. He commited five offences including bumping, and (no excuse) breaking too early. For some reason, Sam Crowe ran 1500m (needless to say she struggled). Would not have thought her pb (4:44e), would have even been a qualifying standard. Sam Hart ran a good heat of 800m, but had nothing left for semi final.
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City of Sunderland Sport in Parks Hylton Castle Race.
Wed. 9th July.
Brian Rushworth led a Sunderland clean sweep in last night's second race in the City of Sunderland Sport in Park series, at Hylton Castle. Rushworth soon dropped his nearest rivals Tom Doughty and Tim Field on the two lap course, gradually extending his advantage to 14secs over Doughty at the finish line. Angela Hunter of Jarrow and Hebburn, easily won the Womens' race finishing in 13th place overall. Her clubmate Sarah Evans took second place, with Vicky Booth of Sunderland occupying third position.
Result.  Distance 4.5km.
1 B Rushworth (Sun, M40) 13:23; 2 T Doughty (Sun, M40) 13:37; 3 T Field (Sun) 13:56; 4 C Bark (TWFB, M45) 14:56; 5 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 15:21; 6 P Gibson (Sun) 15:25; 7 P Morgan (SSh, M45) 15:26; 8 B Jackson (unatt) 15:41; 9 V Tindle (Sun, M50) 15:47; 10 P Redman (Sun) 15:50  Further Veterans: M55 - L Christopher (Sun) 16:47  M60 - R Wilson (Sun) 17:00  M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 20:23
Women: 1 A Hunter (J&H) 16:10; 2 S Evans (J&H, U20) 16:50; 3 V Booth (Sun) 18:05; 4 L Watson (Sun, W35) 19:45; 5 L Patterson (Sun S) 20:20; 6 S Wilson (NE Vets, W55) 20:31
(Newcastle Journal: Thurs. 10th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Edited report used + winner only in results. Sunny but very humid. 69 runners, which is a record for this relatively new event. Les Hindmarch was 69th in 32:01. Eric A was 51st. Among the celebrities present were Jimmy Hedley and Denis Field (who complained about part of the course, being like a rubbish tip). Course designed by Les Arnott.
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New Marske Summer Coast 5km Road Race.
Marske-by-the-Sea.  Tues. 8th July.
Result.
1 M Scaife (CleS) 14:46; 2 M Armstrong (Hart) 15:54; 3 P Embleton (CleS, M45) 15:58; 4 T Livingston (N Marske, M45) 16:16; 5 P Weall (Wigan) 16:48; 6 Mark McLeod (Els) 16:57; 7 G Armstrong (unatt, M40) 17:07; 8 R Williamson (Loft) 17:13  Further Veterans: M50 - J Burn (Loft) 18:10  M60 - R Sherwood (N Marske) 20:38
Women: 1 C Hare (Loft) 17:54; 2 C Ratcliff (Dur, W35) 18:54; 3 J Jackson (M&C, U20) 19:39; 4 K Neesam (N Marske) 20:54; 5 L McPherson (N Marske) 22:08; 6 L Woods (N Marske, W50) 22:14
Wheelchair: 1 T Grey-Thompson (N Marske) 15:22; 2 S Loughran (N Marske) 17:06
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 14th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Only results (courtesy of Graham Hall) sent. 88 finishers. Again fast times at sharp end. Just wish that travelling time was not so long here, as it has to be endured during the rush hour period.
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Weekly Round-up
(to July 6th).
Upset with AW (9th July), for omitting Tynedale 10km and Jesmond Dene Handicap info (sent before deadline). At British League Division 1 Womens' match at Wigan (5th July), Gemma Fergusson was third in 100m Hurdles (13.7). Surprisingly only manual timing here. Sale won competition. At the corresponding Mens' match at Birmingham, David Anderson won the 5000m for Belgrave (14:03.96), with Michael Openshaw 4th (14:14.57). Anthony Borsumato won 400m Hurdles (50.77). Belgrave were winners. In the Division 2 fixture at Watford, Border were 8th and had no A or B winners. In the Womens' Division 4 fixture at Radley, Gateshead were 8th. Philippa McCrea was 2nd in 800m (2:10.6), with Sally Youden 2nd in B event (2:21.2). Lisa-Marie Shippen was 2nd in Hammer 43.05).
In the Cork City Sports, Jared Deacon was third in 400m (46.74). At the Under 20 International, at Nove, Italy, Chris Parr was 2nd in the 1500m (3:55.41), Mark Christie 2nd in Pole Vault (4.90m), and Emma Morris 4th in High Jump (1.68m).
North East athletes competing for Northumbria, did well at the National
Police Championships, at Meadowbank (2nd July). Paul Reed won Shot and Discus (15.67 and 51.88). Paul Corrigan was 2nd in Shot (13.11) and 3rd in Discus (38.01). Nicola Baker won Shot (10.65), Javelin (38.77) and was 2nd in Long Jump (5.31). Denise Knox (Cleveland) won 200m (26.66) and was 2nd in 100m (12.96).
At the BMC events at Trafford (1st July), Drew Graham was 2nd in B 800m (1:52.5) (I think a pb). Andrew Teate finished 3rd (1:54.3) and Martin Gordon was 8th in A race (1:53.9). Steve Hepples was 2nd in 1500m (3:49.2). Paul Hutton won open B 800m (1:58.1).
Early news from World Veterans Championships in Puerto Rico. Peter Gordon won M50 Discus (59.77), Jim Caddy was 6th in M75 5000m (26:30.68) and Eric Smart got eliminated in heat of M45 100m (11.92).  All info from AW.
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North of England Mens' League.
Division 1 at South Leeds Stadium.  Sun. 6th July.
Results.
1 Derby and County 363; 2 Gateshead 341; 3 Leeds City 291; 4 Manx 263; 5 Kingston-upon-Hull 240; 6 Liverpool Pembroke 229.5; 7 Blackpool and Fylde 224.5; 8 Rotherham 215
100: 1 S Conolly (Gate) 11.2  B: 3 S Smith (Gate, M40) 11.7  200: 1 S Conolly 22.4  B: 2 B Geddes (Gate) 22.9  400: 2 S Redshaw (Gate) 51.1  B: 1 N Little (Gate) 52.0  HJ: 1 J Hardie (Gate) 2.00  B: D Burns (Gate, U20) 1.85  LJ: 3 J Stacey (Gate) 6.27  SP: 2 C Sturrock (Gate) 12.69  DT: 3 C Bell (Gate) 35.29  B: 1 D Bolam (Gate) 34.72  JT: 1 I Burns (Gate) 55.29  B: 1 D Burns 54.67  4 x 100: 2 Gateshead 45.2
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 14th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Results courtesy of Angus Lamb (too late for 7th July edition but resubmitted). According to what was sent, Chris Betts was 2nd in Triple Jump in 12.24m. Angus does not know who this actually was ? C Bell is PE teacher at Kenton School (this info from Chris Betts). Gateshead are now 4th in table.
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North of England Mens' League.
Clairville Stadium, Middlesbrough. Sun. 6th July.
Division 2 Result (Provisional). 1 Middlesbrough Mandale 290; 2 Morpeth 223; 3 Durham City 217; 4 New Marske 184; 5 Border B 159; 6 North Shields Poly 129
100: 1 P Vickers (Midd, U20) 11.1; 2 T Ward (Bord) 11.1  200: T Ward 22.6  400: M Gordon (Midd) 49.5  800: S Pogue (Midd, U20) 1:55.5  1500: S Hepples (N Marske) 3:52.6  5000: T Wall (Morp) 14:56.4  3000St: A Haynes (NSP, U20) 9:58.3  110H: P Middleton (NSP, U20) 15.5  400H: P Middleton 57.3  HJ: C Herring (Midd) 1.80  TJ: N Thompson (Dur) 12.81  SP: P Reed (Morp) 15.53  DT: P Reed 50.99  HT: A Smith (Midd, U20) 44.28  JT: D Dowson (Midd) 43.11
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 7th July 2003).

Additional Comments: Only results (courtesy of Mike Bateman) submitted as it was too late to compose report.  Errors with original scores, which could mean Durham City overhaul Morpeth. Looks like Alex Haynes has finally broken through in Steeplechase. Apparently Ward (his father was there) was unlucky not have been given verdict in 100m. Richard Kemp (Midd) dropped out in 5000m. Footnote (courtesy of MH website): Durham and Morpeth joint second. Kirk Wilson (2nd in 800m in fast time) + several other performances to follow ( result not in AW yet).
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Les Allcorn Memorial 10km
Hulne Park, Alnwick.  Sun. 6th July
Morpeth Harriers dominated yesterday's Les Allcorn Memorial 10km multi-terrain event, at Hulne Park, Alnwick. Les Atkinson comfortably won the event from fellow veteran, Ian Handyside, with Neil Armsworth taking third place. Susanne Morton of Elswick was a clear winner of  the Womens' race.
Result.
1 L Atkinson (Morp, M45) 34:03; 2 I Handyside (Morp, M40) 34:20; 3 N Armsworth (Morp) 34:40; 4 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 35:10; 5 G Thraves (CleS) 35:19; 6 G Bayne (Morp, M45) 36:42; 7 P Grey (Aln, M45) 36:56; 8 S Beattie (Morp, M40) 37:02; 9 J Mason (Darl, M40) 37:07; 10 P Addyman (Clare) 37:21; 11 S Brown (Tyne, M40) 37:31; 12 I Waterhouse (Els) 37:43 M55 - M Walker (Gosf) 37:58
Women: 1 S Morton (Els, W35) 43:12; 2 C Jackson (unatt, W35) 43:54; 3 S Ternent (unatt) 46:44; 4 B Pickersgill (Aln, W35) 47:34; 5 E Allan (Aln, W35) 47:50; 6 J Tinkler (CleS, W35) 48:16
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 7th July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used.  Bright and sunny. Unfortunately picturesque part of course could not be seen, as race started and finished in adjacent meadow land. Only limited results available (courtesy of Audrey Stewart, who took them home nearby). About 120 runners (140 entries, which was a major improvement on 2002). No category for veterans, so am listing as youngest category, if not sure. Peter Winter (44:21 my time) was probably first M60. Please note my time was normally 2 secs slower than official clocking. Heaton fielded two athletes. Allen Mulliss clocked 46:17 and George Routledge 58:27. Positions not known. Claire Jackson used to run for J&H, and Serena Ternent comes from Alnwick. Barry Forster also ran (about 46mins).
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BMC Grand Prix Meeting.
Watford.  Sat. 5th July.
Sunderland's Gavin Massingham improved his best time yet again this season, taking second place in the B string 800m at Saturday's BMC Grand Prix meeting at Watford. Massingham took well over a second off his previous figures, finishing behind Barnsley's Sam Ellis. Andy Caine of Tynedale and Mark Hudspith of Morpeth occupied 7th and 8th places in the A.A.A 10,000m championship, but were the 2nd and 3rd Britons to finish..
Men: 800: B: 1 S Ellis (Barnsley) 1:48.54; 2 G Massingham (Sun) 1:48.63 1500: 15 R McLeod (Els, U20) 3:51.96
A.A.A 10000: 1 1 F Joseph (Tanzania) 27:32.81; 2 F K-Bown (Kenya) 27:45.20; 3 K Keska (Birch) 27:53.67; 7 A Caine (Tyne) 28:57.17; 8 M Hudspith (Morp) 28:59.57
Women: 1500: B: 5 S Thomas (Sale) 4:30.05
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 7th July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Results courtesy of BMC website. Listed early following morning. Personal best by Andy Caine by about 30secs. However, even Keska did not get the World Championship qualifying standard. Neil Wilkinson finished 16th in 30:13.41. One place behind Mcleod was Clayton Bannon (3:58.09). Nicholas Gold was 2nd in H 800m (1:58.52).
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North of England Mens' Track and Field League.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Sat. 5th July.
The Tyneside Composite team won Saturday's Northern League Division 3 fixture, at Jarrow.
Adam Rogers clocked a fast time to win the 400m and anchored the squad to victory in the 4 x 400m Relay with a 48.8secs split. Matthew Armstrong won a good quality 800m from Morpeth's Kurt Heron. Veterans dominated the 5000m, with Jon Orange of Richmond and Zetland outsprinting Morpeth's Les Atkinson. Teenager, Jonathon Young gained a gun-to-tape victory in the 1500m. Third placed Seaton still head the league table, from Houghton and Peterlee, who finished second on this occasion.
Division 3: 1 Tyneside Composite 309; 2 Houghton and Peterlee 290; 3 Seaton 279; 4 Richmond and Zetland 277; 5 Hartlepool Burn Road 266; 6 Morpeth B 262; 7 Birtley 161
400: A Rogers (TC) 48.7  B: P Jones (TC, M40) 54.5  800: 1 M Armstrong (TC, U20) 1:57.6; 2 K Heron (Morp, U20) 1:59.3  1500: 1 J Young (Morp, U17) 4:10.6; 2 K Harker (R&Z) 4:14.6; 3 M Wilson (TC, U17) 4:15.9  5000: 1 J Orange (R&Z, M40) 16:10.4; 2 L Atkinson (Morp, M45) 16:12.1  110H: D Robertson (TC, U20) 17.3  PV: 1 I Dodsworth (H&P, U20) 4.20; 2 J Loughran (TC, M50) 2.90  LJ: B: A Readman (H&P, M45) 5.28  DT: J Wild (R&Z, M50) 33.11  HT: 1 S Hudson (TC) 38.16  B: S Towers (TC, M45) 38.13  JT: S Donkin (Birt) 40.28
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 7th July 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Fine day but a lot colder than of late. Composite team was mainly J&H and Wallsend. John Moore put in a surprise appearance (got the impression he was not available until Match 4). He competed in 4 events, though there was no performance of AW standard. He won B 800m (2:00.8), guest 400m (53.7), finished 3rd in B 200m as guest (25.3) and ran first leg of Relay (55.1), finishing 2nd behind Heron. Composite Team's time was 3:37.2.
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Tynedale 10km Road Race.
Ovingham, Northumberland. Wed. 2nd July.
Michael Openshaw took 23secs off Kevin Forster's 12-year-old course record, when repeating his 2002 victory in this very popular summer event. In the damp conditions, Openshaw along with Terry Wall soon headed the field of over 500 runners, on the fast downhill opening mile. As the course evened out, Wall lost contact, and Openshaw's advantage was increased to 1:33 at the finish line. Steve Potts ran well to take third place, while Ian Handyside was the leading veteran in 6th.  New Chester Le Street recruit, Alyson Dixon easily won the Womens' race, finishing in 16th position overall. Judith Nutt and Angela Hunter occupied the minor places.
Result.
1 M Openshaw (Birch) 29:48 (Course Rec); 2 T Wall (Morp) 31:21; 3 S Potts (Sun) 32:53; 4 R Walker (NSP) 33:03; 5 J Archer (Low F) 33:12; 6 I Handyside (Morp, M40) 33:33; 7 A Lilliendale (Sun) 33:44; 8 J Moore (Heat) 33:48; 9 D Flint (unatt) 33:56; 10 P Walker (Blay) 34:19; 11 S Pigford (CleS) 34:24; 12 A Mellor (NSP, M40) 34:35; 13 P Foster (H&P, M40) 34:59; 14 S Clark (NSP, M40) 35:00; 15 T Power (J&H, M45) 35:02  Further Veterans: M45 - 2 D Anderson (Walls) 35:48  M50 - 1 R Hall (Blyth) 35:29  M55 - 1 M McNally (Els) 35:54; 2 H Matthews (Els) 36:44; 3 M Walker (Gosf) 37:10  M60 - 1 P Lancaster (NSP) 37:35; 2 C Bolton (Els) 38:55; 3 R Wilson (Sun) 39:50  M65 - G Smith (Gate) 42:58  M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 45:17  M75 - D Moss (Blyth) 57:22  U20 - 1 G Driscoll (Morp) 36:53; 2 A Dougal (Tyne) 36:53  Teams: 1 North Shields Poly 28; 2 Morpeth 43; 3 Sunderland 60
Women: 1 A Dixon (CleS) 35:06; 2 J Nutt (Els) 37:37; 3 A Hunter (J&H) 38:16; 4 S Morley (unatt, W35) 38:36; 5 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 39:27; 6 J Fergusson (Ryton Tri, W35) 39:46; 7 A Banner (Els) 39:50; 8 T Laws (Derw) 40:22; 9 C Wilson (Morp) 40:36; 10 D Elliott (CleS, W40) 41:13; 11 J Smith (Heat) 41:52; 12 S Evans (J&H, U20) 41:57  Further Veterans: W45 1 S Laws (Derw) 42:08; 2 H Lambert (unatt) 42:18; 3 G Butler (Gosf) 43:14  W50 - B Ingman (NSP) 44:54  W60 - C Lee (Gosf) 44:33
Teams: 1 Elswick 19; 2 Gosforth 46; 3 Blyth 56
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 7th July 2003)

Additional Comments: Only results sent, as it was late finish on evening (it always is here). Luckily Ted J did not turn up. He is injured according to David Tait. This is AW report. 520 finishers, which is much better than last year, but not quite a record. There were 602 entries, with over 100 on the night. Raining (though not heavily and not cold) all through race. Underfoot conditions were a bit dodgy in parts, though this did not bother winner. Jon Archer occupied third position
for most of early stages but finished in a distressed state. Heaton fielded 13 runners for GP event. Other Placings were: 103 Gary Campbell 39:40; 129 Paramjed Bhogal 40:45; 156 Jo Smith; 204 Malcolm Gibson 43:20; 219 Allen Mulliss 43:51; 266 Eric Appleby; 331 James Ellam 48:04; 337 Helen Mitford 48:23 (44L) (2nd W50); 382 Ann Grenfell 50:16 (52L); 385 Marg Finn 50:25 (54L); 417 Lynn Swanson 52:15 (65L); 464 George Routledge 56:07
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