May 2003

BMC Nike Grand Prix.
Wythenshawe Park, Manchester.  Sat. 31st May.
Many North East athletes returned with personal and season's best times from the Nke BMC Grand Prix meeting at Wythenshawe on Saturday evening. Gavin Massingham in the 800m, Kirk Wilson who won the E 1500m and Morag McDonnell in the 3000m, were among those gaining lifetime best performances.
Selected Results.
800: B: 1 T Alexander (Medway) 1:49.02; 4 G Massingham (Sun) 1:50.58  F: 1 C Lamb (Rugby) 1:52.86; 6 J Minter (Midd, U17) 1:54.84  1500: B: 1 T Frazer (Ireland) 3:46.31; 4 C Parr (Gate, U20) 3:49.21; 6 C Bannon (WS&E) 3:50.11; 9 R McLeod (Els, U20) 3:52.36; 12 S Horn (Els) 3:54.36  D: 1 K Wilson (Morp, U20) 3:53.25
Women:  800: B: 1 C Snelgrove (Wake) 2:06.19; 6 N Desai (Morp) 2:12.77  1500: 1 E Egan (Liverpool H) 4:37.24; 5 S Crowe (Els, U17) 4:44.90; 7 J Orr (Quak, U17) 4:53.15  3000: 1 Y Burykina (Russia) 8:55.73; 3 D Henaghan (Morp, W35) 9:14.24; 6 M McDonnell (CleS) 9:25.63; 14 C Smallwood (J&H) 9:51.66
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 2nd June 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Results courtesy of BMC website. On early Sunday morning (races Saturday evening). Not sure if performances of Parr, McLeod and Henaghan are pb's. Some good line-ups with cash prizes depending on time. Conditions if they were like those in Newcastle, would have been perfect. Others competing included Steve Hepples (7th in 3000m in 8:06.94), Richard Kemp (3:58.24) and Richard Kay (3:58.28) in 1500m). Ian Hudspith dropped out of 3000m. Surprised McDonnell was so fast, and Sam Crowe was big improver in 1500m. Further info (from AW): Richard Cole was third in C 1500m (3:51.49) and other 1500m times included John Taylor(4:03.91), Sarah Maude (4:33.46), and Claire Robson (4:37.65). Emily Pidgeon clocked an excellent 9:30.30 in 3000m.  nb. Some of original results, showed numbers rather than names.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 26th May).
At the televised Great Manchester Run (26th May), won by Paul Tergat (28:48), Mike Openshaw was 6th (29:35), Andy Caine 12th (29:59) and Neil Wilkinson 18th (30:15). The Journal correspondent only seemed to link Caine, with the region, however. Berhane Adere won the Womens' race (31:50) with Alyson Dixon 18th (36:00). Not far behind was Angela Dickie (22nd in 37:24). Being interviewed (she started Junior race), much to Roger Black's delight, was "Corrie'"s Maria, who got round in a respectable time.
At the Inter Counties Championships at Bedford (25th/26th May), the small North East squad performed quite well. Pride of place goes to Mark Christie, who equalled his pb height of 4.80m (set a day earlier at Liverpool), to take second place in the Pole Vault. Karen Johns was third in the 800m (2:09.80). Ian Holliday was 5th in the High Jump (2.05m), Gavin Massingham 6th in the 800m (1:52.93) and Elaine Smith 6th in Long Jump (5.89m). Alas, not competing for the region were Peter Gordon (Yorks) third in Discus (52.98m) and Shirley Webb (a Scottish region) first in Hammer (58.17m). Claire S was 8th in 1500m (4:35.51).
At the Melmerby 10km near Ripon, Nigel Orr was 2nd overall and first M40 (33:09). Mike Walker was 3rd M50 (36:27). Bernadette Taylor won Womens' race (37:57).
At the European Veterans Road Championships at Upice (in what country is that ?), Christine Lee was 3rd in W60 Half Marathon (1:44:44), and Jim Caddy was 2nd in M75 10km (54:44).
The Durham Schools' Pentathlon Championships, took place at Jarrow on 23rd May. Steph Lamb (Boldon) won the Junior Girls' event with 2801pts. Her performances were 12.6, 8.98, 1.46, 4.92 and 2:36.5. Samantha Coleby (Durham) was 2nd (2278 with 2:33.2 800m). N Ridgeon (St Wilfrids) won Boys' event (2338 pts).
Matthew Nicholson won the B 800m (1:54.67), at the Trafford GP meeting on 20th May. Steven Dunn was 3rd (1:55.48). All info courtesy of AW.
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Raby Castle 10km Multi Terrain.
Sun. 25th May.
Sunderland Harrier, Tim Field was a comfortable winner of yesterday's Teesdale A.C Raby Castle 10km Multi-Terrain event. On the tough 2 lap course around the picturesque Castle grounds, Field soon headed the 280 strong field, holding a 35secs lead at halfway (16:15) ahead of Quakers Alisdair Tatham, who was running with leading veteran, Peter Embleton of Chester le Street. Field maintained his advantage to the finish line, with Tatham getting the better of Embleton for second place. Houghton and Peterlee's top veteran, Sheila Allen led all the way to win the Womens' race, reversing the placings last week in the Pier to Pier Run (they were 2nd and 3rd), with Dawn Richardson of Quakers. Another veteran, Julia Atkinson of Quakers took third place.
Result.
1 T Field (Sun) 33:22; 2 A Tatham (Quak) 33:59; 3 P Embleton (CleS, M45) 34:28; 4 P Best (Shil) 35:25; 5 J McCready (unatt) 35:51; 6 S Laws (Derw) 36:24; 7 K Johnson (Hart) 36:25; 8 P Foster (H&P, M40) 36:26; 9 G Harden (Sun, M40) 36:38; 10 P Milburn (N Ayc, M40) 36:41; 11 R Collins (Tees, M40) 36:44; 12 M Slesser (J&H) 36:48; 13 J Mason (Darl, M40) 37:11; 14 S Brown (Tyne) 37:20; 15 V Hemy (NSP) 37:34  Further Veterans: M50 - J Dennis (Crook) 38:39  M60 - P Lancaster (NSP) 38:05  M65 - I Barnes (Darl) 43:07
Women: 1 S Allen (H&P, W45) 39:05; 2 D Richardson (Quak) 39:28; 3 J Atkinson (Quak, W35) 41:29; 4 T Laws (Derw) 42:26; 5 K Crowther (unatt) 42:32; 6 S Laws (Derw, W45) 43:16; 7 E Sowter (Swale, W35) 43:50; 8 C Davies (Quak) 43:57; 9 V Booth (Sun) 44:14; 10 S Milburn (N Ayc, W45) 44:27
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 26th May 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. A nice event in pleasant surroundings. Weather warm mainly sunny, but odd shower (heavy rain on return journey home). Not the same as old course. Now two laps + Start and finish (making Fun Run longer than 5km). Not sure about accuracy of 5km point, as both Field and Sheila Allen (19:04) were much quicker in first half.  285 runners. 14th placed S Brown was listed as M60, but would have to be very good to defeat Phil Lancaster. Need to confirm this position (since changed to M40). Heaton's one reprentative Allen Mulliss was 105th in 45:14. Jim Johnston (now NE Vets as Coquet has disbanded) was 254th in 72:18 (almost certainly 1st M80). Veterans categories were in 10-year age-groups, with the oldest as M60. Have put split category, when known (Embleton almost 50). Other interesting competitors, though now well down field, included Vince McKie (now Nene Valley), Claire Gregory (now Lincoln) and Oliver Whickham (still Gateshead). Mrs W was in attendance but where is Charlotte ? Both Slessers missed start (GS by 40secs, MS more), which was about 2mins early.
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North of England Junior Track and Field Championships.
Wavertree, Liverpool.  Sat/Sun. 24th/25th May.
Selected Results.
Under 20 Men:  400: 1 P Taylor (Liverpool P) 49.06; 2 S Gill (M&C) 49.17  1500: 1 A Moran (Traff) 3:59.65; 2 R McLeod (Els) 4:00.37  110H: 1 S Alexander (Traff) 14.61; 2 P Middleton (NSP) 14.62  PV: 1 M Christie (Sale) 4.80; 2 I Dodsworth (H&P) 4.20  LJ: 1 R Askew (Derby) 6.30; 2 A Sturrock (Gate) 6.26  TJ: G Jackson (Gate) 14.36  SP: 1 P Cranfield (Liverpool H) 16.66; 2 C Sturrock (Gate) 14.88  DT: L Richards (Midd) 46.80  HT: C Hogarth (Midd) 45.68  JT: L Doran (E&H) 56.95
Under 17 Men:  200: D Daniel (Midd) 22.17  800: J Minter (Midd) 1:57.87  1500: 1 L Timmins (Gosf) 4:12.71; 2 J Taylor (Midd) 4:13.80; 3 L Moses (N Ayc) 4:14.24  1500St: A Holliday (Traff) 4:32.58  400H: 1 C Crawford-Glanville (Gate) 55.0; 2 K Flannery (Gate) 55.2  DT: 1 W.Lowndes (Liverpool H) 45.20; 3 G Hill (Midd) 43.63
Under 15 Boys: 100: 1 L McElwee (Midd) 11.8; 2 S Dale (Morp) 12.1  200: 1 L McElwee 24.78; 2 S Dale 24.91  800: L Stockton (Midd) 2:09.30  1500: 1 J Corrigan (Stockport) 4:26.49; 2 W Roberts (Shil) 4:27.03  LJ: 1 D Blackett (Gate) 5.62; 2 A Dalby (Gate) 5.44  TJ: 1 D Blackett 12.32; 2 D Hubbard (Gate) 10.40
Under 20 Women:  100: 1 J Ennis (CoSheffield) 11.85; 2 T Ameobi (Gate) 12.07  200: 1 B Wilson (Birch) 25.06; 2 T Ameobi 25.06  800: 1 R Thompson (Liverpool H) 2:07.34; 3 N Desai (Morp) 2:15.65  TJ: 1 N Nwidobie (Blackpool&F) 11.26; 3 S Evans (Gate) 10.65  HT: 1 S Holt (Spen) 41.39; 3 E Foster (Gate) 40.40
Under 17 Women:  100: 1 N Pearson (CoSheffield) 12.18; 3 S De la Hunt (Gate) 12.28  3000: 1 S Crowe (Els) 10:30.0; 2 J Orr (Quak) 10:33.0  LJ: 1 R Abbs (Dur) 5.24; 3 S De la Hunt 4.89  SP: 1 E Shaw (Leeds C) 11.14; 3 Li Tucker (Blay) 10.29  DT: 1 G Llewellyn (Wigan) 37.17; 3 Li Tucker 33.80
Under 15 Girls:  SP: 1 R Hall (Grantham) 11.68; 2 K Wilson (Birt) 11.13  DT: 1 R Hall 31.24; 3 A Maddison (Gate) 29.67  JT: R Fleary (Carlisle) 29.67
(Newcastle Journal: Tues. 27th April 2003).
.
Additional Comments:: These results courtesy of noeaa-athletics website. Sent to Journal and I was pleasantly surprised, that they were used. Times would suggest it was windy. I am sure a pb by Flannery also. Minter made up for disappointment of disqualification at Shildon. Good double by Lewis McElwee. Simon Dale ran well also (closer in 200m). Lewis Timmins victory was a surprise. Pleased for Sam Crowe, who has at last won a non-regional title (a pb I am sure, also for Julia Orr). Not sure whether Christie cleared a best height. Titi seemed unlucky in 200m. Victoria Carmichael was 5th in 200 (25.62) and 7th in 100m (12.43). Kirk Wilson and Chris Lamb were 5th and 8th respectively, in 1500m.
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North of England Junior Track and Field Championships.
Wavertree, Liverpool.  Sat. 24th May.
Gateshead Harrier, Craig Crawford-Glanville clocked a personal best time of  55.0 secs, to win the opening event, the Under 17 400m Hurdles, at the first day of the Northern Junior Championships at Liverpool. Second place went to his clubmate, Kieran Flannery, the defending champion. Sunderland-based Sale Harrier, Mark Christie won the Under 20 Pole Vault with a clearance of 4.80m. Elswick's Ryan McLeod had to be content with the silver medal in the Junior 1500m, behind Trafford's Anthony Moran.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 26th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Little piece of info used. Results not on website, until well after 8.00pm Sunday, which is deadline. This info from a distorted first sheet (with many errors) e-mailed to Bill McGuirk. Further info later this week (see above), but looks like photo finish did not function on several occasions.
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North Shields Poly WOW 10km Road Race.
Whitley Bay.  Wed. 21st May.
Result.
1 T Wall (Morp) 31:22; 2 R Walker (NSP) 33:10; 3 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 33:12; 4 I Twaddle (NSP) 33:59; 5 Jim Bell (Els, M55) 34:09; 6 R Rush (Sun, M40) 34:33; 7 S Clark (NSP, M40) 34:54; 8 S Sutherland (NSP, U20) 34:54; 9 A Dougal (Tyne, U20) 35:08; 10 A Lawrence (Morp, U17) 35:18; 11 R Barkley (Blyth) 35:21; 12 M McNally (Els, M55) 35:23
Further Veterans: M45 - P Gray (Aln) 35:45  M50 - R Hall (Blyth) 37:22 M55 - 3 M Walker (Gosf) 36:58  M60 - T O'Gara (Walls) 39:04  M65 - F Walton (Scun) 50:36
Women: 1 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 39:26; 2 J Smith (Heat) 41:28; 3 L Walker (Walls) 41:54; 4 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45) 42:24; 5 A Nott (Heat, W40) 42:28; 6 L Butler (Gosf, W35) 43:26; 7 D Ford (unatt, W35) 43:40; 8 J Cross (Clare, W35) 43:55  Further Veterans: W50 - B Cornelius (unatt) 45:38  W55 - P Gold (Heat) 49:56  W60 - E Armstrong (Tyne) 47:26

Additional Comments: Results courtesy of NSP website (I gather there were problems). Will submit for Monday's Journal (26th). Always a good event, but organisers, why did it clash with NE Athletics League, when the next two Wednesdays have no fixtures ? 161 finishers. Weather almost certainly showery. Not sure of leading W50, who is listed as B Cornelius (first name Barry ?) (since confirmed  as male). Heaton fielded 9 athletes (GR thought 4): 30 Sean Kelly 37:54; 60 Ted Baty 40:48; 71 Jo Smith; 81 Anita Nott; 85 Allen Mulliss 42:44; 87 Howard Gold 42:52; 131 Jo Parkinson 49:16 (14L); 136 Pam Gold (15L); 152 George Routledge 57:31
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North Eastern Athletics League.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Wed. 21st May.
With the early wind, that had ruined any hopes of any fast sprint times, easing down, conditions were almost ideal when the series of 1500m races took place, at the second meeting of the season. Though there was a light rainfall, several of the competitors in the senior mens' event, returned with personal best times. Vince Wilson was willing to act as a pacemaker going through the first two laps in 63 and 2:06. Andy Caine then broke away from his rivals and was never in any danger, coming home ahead of Ian Hudspith and former Northern Under 17 3000m champion, Daniel Samuels. In an exciting Womens' race, Claire Smallwood led all the way, holding off the persistent challenge of Morag McDonnell, who was another to smash her personal best time. Paul Reed threw a season's best to win the Shot.
Results.
Men
1500: A: 1 A Caine (Tyne) 3:53.0; 2 I Hudspith (Morp) 3:54.2; 3 D Samuels (Morp) 3:55.2; 4 R McLeod (Els, U20) 3:56.3; 5 K Wilson (Morp, U20) 3:56.6; 6 S Horn (Els) 3:56.9; 7 S Moralee (Dur, U20) 3:57.3; 8 R Kemp (Sun, U20) 3:58.0; 9 M Brown (Morp) 3:58.7; 10 C O'Connell (Sale) 4:00.0; 11 C Lamb (CleS, U20) 4:00.4; 12 A Roberts (CleS) 4:01.4; 13 P Hutton (Gosf, U20) 4:05.5; 14 P Grime (Dur U) 4:05.9; 15 C Sampson (Morp) 4:06.1
B: 1 P Martin (Sun, U20) 4:05.7; 2 J Moore (Heat) 4:06.3; 3 J Walsh (Dur U) 4:07.0; 4 M Elliott (Sun, U20) 4:07.2; 5 R Hand (Dur, M40) 4:08.6.  SP: P Reed (Morp) 15.85
U17
1500: M Wilson (J&H) 4:17.0
U15
1500: J Cook (Gosf) 4:34.7. LJ: 1 A Kamara (Gate) 5.79; 2 D Blackett (Gate) 5.74
U13
1500: 1 S Ruddick (Blay) 4:54.9; 2 N Flannery (Gate) 5:00.4
Women
1500: 1 C Smallwood (J&H) 4:34.3; 2 M McDonnell (CleS) 4:34.9; 3 R Brown (CleS) 4:40.3; 4 A Dixon (CleS) 4:51.4; 5 J Battersby (Elv, W35) 4:53.1.; 6 A Hunter (J&H) 4:54.7; 7 S Evans (J&H, U20) 4:55.9. SP: N Baker (Gate) 10.73
U17
SP: S Dodd (Els) 9.41
U15
LJ: Steph Lamb (SSh) 4.66
U13
1500: 1 S-K Crowell (J&H) 5:28.3; 2 S Bell (Gate, U11) 5:32.7; 3 E Murray (J&H) 5:36.6; 4 G Bellamy (Gosf) 5:41.1

Additional Comments: This is AW version of results. Did not submit to Journal, as almost certainly Bill McGuirk would have them in Chronicle first (though not in Thursday am edition). Poor turn-out in sprints with only Under 15 Boys divided into heats (then only 9 runners). No sprinters (included vets) gained AW standard. Large entry of 34 (17 + 17), in Mens' 1500m, which was only other event to be divided into heats. Certainly pb by Samuels, which delighted Stan Long. Wilson (pb) ran very well and also I think a pb, by McLeod and Kemp. Nevertheless good quality 1500m races, should not be won with a last lap of 62secs (2:51 at bell).Best performances (provisional) by Kamara (1cm off Grade 1 but likely wind-assisted) and Crowell. Field event officials (thin on ground) included Bill McGuirk and George Ogle. Footnote: Apparently results were not published in Chronicle, so forwarded revised info.
Other winners non-AW standard.
Senior Men: 200: C Hunter (J&H) 24.5  Under 17: 200: K Flannery 24.5  TJ: K Flannery 11.80  SP: R Ward (H&P) 10.16  Under 15: 200: A Dalby 25.7  Under 13: 200: N Flannery 29.0  Senior Women: 200: R Forrest 27.7 (3 H Robson 34.5)  HJ: T Collins (SSh) 1.30  Under 17: 200: C Jones 28.5  1500: E Nesbitt 5:09.9  Under 15: 200: Sarah Lamb 28.1  1500: N Bellamy (Gosf) 5:21.4  SP: S Hopkinson (Birt) 8.43  Under 13: 200: J Hudson (Gate) 31.1
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Veterans A.A - North East Track and Field League.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Mon. 19th May.
Gateshead Harrier, Peter Gordon broke his own British record by nearly 4metres with a throw of 61.19metres, to win the Over 50 Discus event at last night's Veterans A.A - North East League meeting, at Jarrow.
Results.
M40:  100: S Smith (Gate) 11.9  400: 1 P Jones (Walls) 56.2; 2 M Telford (Walls) 56.5  1500: 1 G Harden (Sun) 4:26.8; 2 T Hardman (Elv) 4:27.5  LJ: 1 D Dixon (Bord) 5.39; 2 A Ritson (SSh) 5.39
M45:  100: E Smart (Gate) 11.9  B: A Readman (H&P) 12.6  400: 1 A Readman 57.2  1500: 1 K Archer (Crook) 4:27.8; 2 A Dent (Blay) 4:35.0  LJ: 1 A Readman 5.13; 2 J Williams (Clare) 5.01
M50:  1500: A Jenkins (Morp) 4:49.0  SP: J Wild (R&Z) 10.30  DT: 1 P Gordon (Gate) 61.19 (UK Rec); 2 J Wild 40.36
M55:  100: 1 T Page (H&P) 13.7; 2 D Tate (NE Vets) 13.7  1500: E Maddison (Sun) 5:04.7  LJ:  A Rowell (Dur) 4.34  SP: T Hudson (J&H) 10.13  DT: T Hudson 30.64
M60:  100: 1 J Scott (NE Vets) 14.3; 2 R Smoult (NE Vets) 14.5
M65:  1500: G Smith (Gate) 5:39.8
M70:  100: B Parnaby (NE Vets) 15.1  400: B Parnaby 72.9  SP: R Laidler (Sun) 7.29  DT: 1 D Field (Sun) 34.85; 2 R Laidler 31.40
W35:  1500: C Ratcliff (Dur) 5:07.5
W50: 100: B Elliott (Dur) 15.3  400: B Elliott 71.8
W60:  1500: K Stewart (NSP) 6:13.0
(Newcastle Journal: Tues. 20th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Only mini report sent. Will submit results for next Monday (26th). Only 3 entries for Open 800m, which was cancelled (Francis Turner ran as guest in 1500m). Dry early on but started to rain (getting heavier) at end of track programme (8.30). Needless to say, Field events were by no means, finished. Quite windy also. Discus info from Gerry Young (who thought it was a world best) and Denis Field. The latter was not going to compete, because of a bad back, and was not satisfied with his Discus throw, even though it tops this year's British rankings.
Eric Smart was just too quick for S Smith (former H&P).
Heaton athletes did not perform well. Reg Checkley clocked 5:50.9 in 1500m but broke down 30m from finish of 400m (about 15mins later) and crossed the line in 80.2. Allen Mulliss struggled in M40 event (his first track 1500m ?) (5:52.2). Eric Appleby had his worst ever track race (6:42.2), being beaten by Chris Foote-Wood, and was at one time pressed by George Routledge (7:10.5). Harry Craven, who stopped twice, clocked 8:46.3. Field results from George(s) Reeve and Routledge not yet available.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 18th May).
Gateshead finished 7th in their opening National Womens' League Division 4 match, at Stoke (18th May). Titi Ameobi was third in 200m (25.5), Lisa Weatheritt was 3rd in Shot (10.46) and Kristine Ritchie won Javelin (38.22).
At Young Athletes Premier League match at Wigan, Middlesbrough's James Minter clocked a fast 1:55.7, in U17 800m. For second succesive occasion, Gateshead's match result was not included (they easily won at first fixture, with Kieran Flannery clocking 56.4, in 400m Hurdles). At Division 1 match at Chester Le Street, Morpeth finished 2nd and top performer was Nathan Shrubb, who clocked 9:16.1 in 3000m.
Paul Reed, representing the Police, won the Shot (14.37) and Discus (51.25) at match at Loughborough (14th May). Results courtesy of AW.
Brendan McMillan, who has recently emerged in race results, won Claremont Invitation Little Benton event, on May 12th. Andy Brown was 2nd (27:55), with Dave Salmon of Blaydon 3rd (29:47). 24 runners. Julie Cross was 1st lady (34:08). Allen Mulliss was 11th (33:48) and Howard Gold was 13th (34:41). No other Heaton runners, but several attended Social Evening at Blue Flames Club, afterwards. Results courtesy of Allen Mulliss (via em from Claremont).
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Pier to Pier Run.
South Shields to Roker.  Sun. 18th May.
Simon O'Donnell of Chester le Street waited until the final 400m, before sprinting to victory in yesterday's fifth Pier to Run from South Shields to Roker beach. O'Donnell, who was also successful in 2000, soon headed the 600 strong field along with 2001 winner, Tim Field of Sunderland. Overcoming the strengthening wind, the pair were still locked together until O'Donnell made his bid for victory, at the beginning of the final stretch of sand. Alisdair Tatham of Quakers took third place after holding off the challenge of leading veteran, Steve Coxon of Sunderland, who less than 24hours earlier had competed for his club in the British Masters Relays. Former Sunderland Harrier, Alyson Dixon, now competing for Chester Le Street, easily won the Womens' race finishing in 19th position overall. Dawn Richardson of Quakers took second place, with Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, in third, claiming the vererans' prize. Conditions for runners finishing outside the first thirty worsened considerably, as they had to overcome a downpour, which continued for 20mins. The event backed by the City of Sunderland, was organised by the Sunderland Strollers club, with assistance from South Shields Harriers.
Result.  Distance 7.5M (approx).
1 S O'Donnell (CleS) 39:27; 2 T Field (Sun) 39:45; 3 A Tatham (Quak) 40:23; 4 S Coxon (Sun, M40)  40:27; 5 M Slesser (J&H) 40:52; 6 I Handyside (unatt, M40) 41:20; 7 S Clark (NSP, M40) 42:41; 8 A Henderson (Unatt) 42:55; 9 M Jones (SSh) 42:58; 10 P Dunn (Elv, M40) 43:09; 11 J McCready (unatt) 43:11; 12 B McMillan (Clare) 43:14; 13 T Power (J&H, M45) 43:17; 14 A McRae (H&P) 43:24; 15 R Hall (Blyth, M50) 43:39; 16 K Johnston (Morecambe, M40) 43:53; 17 D Houshby (SSh) 44:02; 18 S Laws (Derw) 44:03; 19 D Armstrong (Els) 44:22; 20 P Tait (Tyne, M45) 44:34  Further Veterans: M50 - 2 K Sanderson (Tees) 44:58  M55 - L Christopher (Sun) 45:53  M60 - P Winter (Morp) 52:30  M70 - W McNeil (Dur)
Women: 1 A Dixon (CleS) 44:19; 2 D Richardson (Quak) 46:09; 3 S Allen (H&P, W45) 46:19; 4 D James (Elv, W35) 46:40; 5 J Atkinson (Quak, W35) 48:41; 6 T Laws (Derw) 49:54; 7 L Smith (NSP, W35) 50:03; 8 K Crowther (unatt) 50:50; 9 J Barley (Kippax, W35) 50:56; 10 M Ford (SSh) 51:07; 11 J Heatherington (unatt) 51:30; 12 V Booth (Sun) 51:49  Further Veterans: W50 - S Parr (CleS) 53:34  W60 - 1 E Armstrong (Tyne); 2 J Bell (Black B)
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 19th May 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Record entry of 668. Excellent results service. First 200 available on day (300 by evening). Listed in later results is W Frankland (Quakers) as first M70 (54:20), but I have never heard of him (on checking his previous performances, one of which was behind George R, this is almost certainly a "ringer"). Times of Bill McNeil and Eileen Armstrong were 58:05 and 57:42. Course records (though route may vary) set in 2001, are by Tim Field (36:44) and Sheila Allen (42:13). Previous best number of finishers was 508 in 2002 (529 entries). Rain, which came down very suddenly, caused problems with later results (through reading them more than anything), but an automatic method of taking results, would have been ko'd by weather also (as at Northern Outdoor Championships, at Manchester, last year). After storm it turned sunny and quite warm. The age of competitor on results was helpful as it sorted out veterans' categories. Other placings included 306 Dave Whitmore 56:43 and 362 Ray Laverick 59:53. Heaton fielded 7 athletes. Gary Campbell was 54th (47:09) followed by Allen Mulliss (161st in 52:09), Barry Grieves (215th in 54:00), Kelly McEntee (245th in 54:53), 363 Lynn Swanson 59:58; 532 George Routledge 69:38; 536 Harry Craven 60:57.. Footnote: Full results available on Tuesday (pm). 598 finishers (a record) (last person was 84:00). .Joy Bell clocked 59:43.
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British Masters Road Relay Championships.
Sutton Coldfield.  Sat. 17th May.
Brian Rushworth clocked the joint fastest time at Saturday's British Masters Road Relay Championship at Sutton Coldfield. Rushworth's time of 14:37, shared by Swansea's Martin Rees, helped Sunderland to 9th place behind Cambuslang. The Scottish club also won the Over 50 event, with Alnwick schoolteacher, Archie Jenkins lining up as one of their gold medal squad.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 19th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Info from Steve Coxon (first) and Kevin Carr. Rees of course is Over 50. Course slightly shorter than National 12 Stage short lap. Footnote: Looking at AW results, Cambuslang were actually third in M50 event. Archie Jenkins clocked 16:28 on leg 5. Sunderland clocked 2:08:19, behind Cambuslang's 2:03:22. Their splits were Steve Coxon 15:24, Ron Wills 16:48, Rob Rush 16:04, G Harden 16:13, P Collins 16:14, John Watson 17:05, Rushworth and Glen Forster 15:54.
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British Athletics League.
Division 2.  Edinburgh.  Sat. 17th May.
Border Harriers face an uphill struggle after their first match in the British League Division 2 at Meadowbank. The Carlisle-based club finished 6th behind a strong Harrow squad. Chris Smith was their sole A-string winner in the Javelin. North Eastern double sprint champion, Craig Telford scored good points finishing 2nd in both the B 100m and 200m. With confusion surrounding the new first-claim rule, several athletes were only allowed to compete as guests, including many-times North Eastern Shot and Discus champion, Paul Reed.
Result.
1 Harrow 341; 2 Thames Valley 338; 3 Borough of Enfield 321; 4 Notts AC 264; 5 City of Edinburgh 259; 6 Border 240; 7 Blackheath 236; 8 City of Sheffield 184
100: B: 2 C Telford (Bord) 10.85  200: B: 2 C Telford 21.95  800: B: 1 C Welsh (Bord) 1:54.57  PV: 2 M Dorrian (Bord) 4.40  SP: B: 2 P Reed (Bord-gst) 13.92  DT: P Gordon (Edin, M50 - gst) 51.99; P Reed (gst) 49.11  JT: 1 C Smith (Bord) 62.15
(Newcastle Journal: Mon 19th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Info from Bill Woods (Division 2 Secretary). Telford was faster than A string sprinter in 200m, and marginally slower in 100m.
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Alwinton Fell Race.
Sat. 17th May.
Result.  Distance 14M.
1 G Owens (North'd FR, M40) 1:46:03; 2 J Ross (North'd FR) 1:46:14; 3 G Bayne (Morp, M45) 1:48:57; 4 S Beattie (Morp) 1::50:43  M50 - J Dillinson (North'd FR) 2:01:00  M60 - P Lancaster (NSP) 1:58:36
Women: 1 K Robertson (North'd FR) 1:57:36; 2 L Wilkinson (North'd FR) 2:07:34; 3 C Bagness (Wooler) 2:12:29
Short Course: 6M.  D Milburn (Aln) 46:04
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 19th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Info sent from George Patterson, who attended event along with Mick Groves (Tkr). Did not know race was taking place. Forwarded results only. Very wet which made underfoot conditions poor. 57 runners but only 5 in Short Course event. Footnote: GP thought I should have sent in report.
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Wallsend Harriers Gordon Smith Memorial Road Relay.
Raby Basin, Newcastle upon Tyne.  Wed. 14th May.
North Shields Poly won the Gordon Smith Memorial Relay at Raby Basin, last night, for the third succesive year. The race was close throughout, with Heaton's John Moore leading on leg 1. Morpeth, through Les Atkinson headed the field after the second leg. Ian Twaddle anchored North Shields to victory, with Gary Moore bringing their B team home in second place ahead of Morpeth's Archie Jenkins. Durham veteran, Rob Hand clocked the fastest time, moving his club from 9th to 5th on leg 2. Gateshead were untroubled in winning the Womens' race, with first leg runner, Sally Youden  clocking the fastest time.
Result.  3 x 2.3M.
1 North Shields Poly 35:31 (R Walker 11:34, T Mellor 12:15, I Twaddle 11:42); 2 North Shields Poly B 36:01 (R Stephenson 11:38, S Clark 12:24, G Moore 11:59); 3 Morpeth 36:04 (P Johnson 11:42, L Atkinson 11:48, A Jenkins 12:34); 4 Blaydon 36:12; 5 Durham City 37:07; 6 Elswick 37:52  Fastest: 1 R Hand (Dur, M40) 11:28; 2 J Moore (Heat) 11:31; 3 R Walker 11:34; 4 R Stephenson (U17) 11:38; 5 P Johnson (M40) 11:42; 6 P Walker (Blay) 11:46; 7 L Atkinson (M45) 11:48
Women: 1 Gateshead 49:02 (S Youden 14:32, L Coates 16:31, D McWilliams 17:59); 2 Composite 50:12  Fastest: 1 S Youden 14:32; 2 H Wilcox (NSP/Comp) 15:33; 3 L Marr (Tyne/Comp, W40) 15:39
(Newcastle Journal: Thurs. 15th May 2003).

Additional Comments: All info well edited. Showery evening but conditions must have been ok, as times seemed a fair bit quicker than 2002. 23 teams started and completed (including a few composite), which is a record. Though 2 Womens' teams was disappointing, as a second prize had been introduced. Tony Mellor and Ian Twaddle had been members of previous two winning teams. John Moore competing in a composite team handed over to Martin Telford (13:12) (6th) and Gateshead's Norman Dellow (15:32) (12th). Allen Mulliss clocked 15:21 on 2nd leg for another composite team (19th). Very disappointed at Heaton turn-out (2). Other times included Jim Bell (12:09), Mark McNally (12:50), and Phil Lancaster (13:29). Youden, a runner from the past, is running well at present having finished 5th in North Eastern 800m (2:24.15). Thanks to Chris Robson + George and Audrey for quick results. Order should have been Senior/Veteran/Senior but many veterans ran Senior legs. Due to refurbishment at "Fog on the Tyne", race hq was moved to St Peters Bottom Club. It was more spacious but not as picturesque outside.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 11th May).
At Balmoral Races on 10th May, North East performances included: Mens' 5M: (1 John Kibouan 22:48); 9 David Anderson 23:45; 12 Andy Caine 23:53; 14 Ian Hudspith 23:58; 31 Stewart Bell 26:03.
Womens' 5M: (1 Berhane Adere 25:12); 14 Alyson Dixon 30:22. Not sure how Alyson got invite, and Stewie must have been disappointed.
At Cumbrian Championships at Carlisle on May 10th, leading performances included: Senior Discus: 1 John Little 46.04  Hammer: 1 Dave Little 56:06  Javelin: 1 Lee Doran 56.30.  Women: 400: 1 Rebecca Martindale 59.1  800: 1 Philippa McCrea 2:14.9. This info from AW.
At Inland Revenue Sports at Jarrow on 9th May, Dan Samuels won 800m (2:11.0). Steve White won 5000m (17:44.4) ahead of Graham Slesser (18:00.8) and defending champion John Whitfield (a name from the past) 18:18.9. Guest runner Mark Slesser easily won the 1500m (4:33.7), and Emma Woodhall won the High jump (1.50).
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North Eastern Counties A.A. Track and Field Championships.
Stadium 2000 Arena, Shildon.   Sat/Sun. 11th/12th May.
The strong winds affected performances, particularly in the endurance events at this weekend's North Eastern Counties Track and Field Championships, at Shildon. Two of the few records to fall were from  Junior International, Gemma Fergusson of Sale, who took 0.45secs off her old figures in the Under 20 100m Hurdles on Saturday, and yesterday set a championship best when defeating defending champion Titi Ameobi of Gateshead in the 100m. The second day got off to a good start when defending English Schools Intermediate Triple Jump champion, Graham Jackson of Gateshead set a record in the Under 20 event, having won the Long Jump less than 24hours earlier. Katy Wilson of Birtley was another record breaker in the Under 15 Shot. Mark Christie set new figures in the Under 20 Pole Vault, an event postponed from the Saturday. Ian Holliday of Sale successfully defended his High Jump title with another record..Emma Foster of Gateshead also set a championship best in the Under 20 Hammer. Emma Morris of South Shields broke the record in the Under 20 High Jump and along with Under 15 clubmate, Steph Lamb, was rewarded with a host of medals of all colours in a busy competitive weekend. The two other records to be bettered on the opening day were by University of Northumbria student, Kristine Ritchie of Gateshead in the Senior Javelin and clubmate Ashley Maddison in the Under 15 Discus. Craig Telford of Border gained a sprint double in the Senior events. An eye-catching performance came from Gateshead's Daniel Pope, who narrowly defeated clubmate Craig Crawford-Glanville in the Under 17 400m Hurdles and later took the High Jump title. There were several multi-winners but it is rare that a track treble has been achieved. This happened twice when local girl Karen Johns of Gateshead and Nisha Desai of Morpeth won the 400m, 800m and 1500m in the Senior and Under 20 age-groups respectively. Ryan McLeod of Elswick easily won the Junior Mens' 3000m but in the 1500m on Saturday, a last lap of 57.7secs saw him edge out long-time-leader Chris Parr of Gateshead. McLeod's clubmate, Steven Horn won the Senior title in a slightly faster time from Middlesbrough's Robert Cole, who returned to win the 5000m. Paul Reed of Morpeth gained his usual double victory in the Shot and Discus. Stephen Gill of Middlesbrough maintained his excellent form to win the Junior 400m in a fast time. Stacey Smith of Tynedale easily won the Under 15 800m and 1500m. Elswick's Sam Crowe successfully defendered her Under 17 Womens' 3000m title and edged out 800m winner Sam Hart of New Marske in the 1500m. Sophie De La Hunt of Gateshead gained an impressive sprint double in the Under 17 age-group.
Day 2 Results.
Senior Men:  200: 1 C Telford (Bord) 21.88; 2 A Rogers (J&H) 22.11; 3 J Deacon (SSh) 22.14  800: 1 V Wilson (Morp) 1:56.03; 2 S Dunn (Midd) 1:56.12; 3 D Samuels (Morp) 1:56.48  5000: 1 R Cole (Midd) 15:12.38; 2 M Brown (Morp) 15:12.96; 3 P Grime (Dur U) 15:16.17  3000St: P Weall (Wigan) 10:28.39   HJ: 1 I Holliday (Sale) 2.11(CBP); 2 J Geoffroy (Morp) 2.08  PV: J Loughran (Gosf, M50) 2.70   LJ: M Frazer (SSh) 5.25  HT: 1 C Walsh (Shaft B) 57.43; 2 P Reed (Morp) 40.60; 3 S Hudson (J&H) 38.92
Under 20 Men:  200: 1 P Vickers (Midd) 23.22; 2 P Middleton (NSP) 23.28  800: 1 D Graham (Gosf) 1:57.34; 2 A Teate (Midd) 1:57.65; 3 C Parr (Gate) 1:57.71  3000: 1 R McLeod (Els) 8:43.62; 2 C Lamb (CleS) 8:45.73; 3 P Martin (Sun) 8:50.89  2000St: 1 S Pogue (Midd) 6:21.96; 2 P White (Midd) 6:38.08; 2 A Haynes (NSP) 6:43.95  400H: D Jordan (Midd) 59.67  PV: 1 M Christie (Sale) 4.51 (CBP); 2 D Jordan 3.20  HJ: 1 D Burns (Tyne) 1.90; 2 J Stacey (Gate) 1.85  TJ: 1 G Jackson (Gate) 14.21 (CBP; 2 J Stacey 13.89; 3 A Sturrock (Gate) 13.53  HT: 1 A Smith (Midd) 51.59; 2 C Hogarth (Midd) 45.23  JT: 1 D Burns 49.70; 2 M Burns (Tyne) 40.53; 3 C Ridley (Birt) 38.16
Under 17 Men:  200: 1 D Daniel (Midd) 22.22; 2 B Lavender (Morp) 23.32; 3 J Sinclair (Gate) 23.52  800: 1 K Flannery (Gate) 2:01.71; 2 M Wilson (J&H) 2:04.42; 3 N Shrubb (Morp) 2:06.10  3000: 1 L Timmins (Gosf) 9:06.80; 2 L Moses (N Ayc) 9:16.92; 3 J McCrerie (Sun) 9:17.67  1500St: S Stewart (Tyne) 4:52.67  400H: 1 D Pope (Gate) 56.17; 2 C Crawford-Granville (Gate) 56.24  HJ: 1 D Pope 1.70; 2 M Joyce (J&H) 1.65; 3 C Crawford-Glanville 1.60  PV: R Dixon (Gate) 2.50  TJ: C Waugh (N Marske) 12.32  HT: 1 G Hill (Midd) 44.86; 2 R Ward (H&P) 32.91  JT: 1 J Armstrong (Morp) 40.31; 2 C Crawford-Glanville 39.91; 3 L Robson (Gate) 37.67
Under 15 Boys: 200: 1 L McElwee (Midd) 24.24; 2 S Dale (Morp) 24.30; 3 A Dalby (Gate) 25.02  800: 1 L Stockton (Midd) 2:10.88; 2 A Stanton (SSh) 2:13.22; 3 W Pike (Gate) 2:13.88  3000: 1 J Pearson (Els) 9:50.61; 2 W Roberts (Shil) 9:54.93; 3 K Thompson (Shil) 10:13.88  LJ: 1 A Kamara (Gate) 5.96; 2 D Blackett (Gate) 5.85; 3 N Ridgeon (SSh) 5.28  PV: T Perrins (Gate) 2.30  HT: P Brown (Black B) 19.14  JT: D Barrett (Gate) 43.67
Under 13 Boys: 200: 1 J Corrigan (Midd) 27.66; 2 D Leadbitter (Gate) 28.30 (27.49 ht CBP); 3 N Flannery (Gate) 29.04  800: 1 N Flannery 2:26.61; 2 C Bell (CleS) 2:26.94; 3 R Murray (Walls) 2:29.03  LJ: 1 J Steel (J&H) 4.43; 2 N Flannery 4.27; 3 S Ivers (Gate) 4.17
Senior Women:  100: 1 H Braithwaite (Midd) 13.1; 2 K Storey (Gate, W35) 13.1; 3 L Yellop (CoNorwich) 13.2  400: 1 K Johns (Gate) 58.04; 2 K Storey 60.56  1500: 1 K Johns 4:34.39; 2 C Smallwood (J&H) 4:40.27; 3 C Wilson (Morp) 5:02.17  400H: L Yellop 68.84  HJ: V Haswell (J&H) 1.48  TJ: J Straker (Morp) 11.64  SP: 1 L Weatheritt (Gate) 11.23; 2 V Haswell  9.06  HT: 1 L-M Shippen (Gate) 40.99; 2 E Dwan (unatt) 36.88; 3 L Weatheritt 29.34
Under 20 Women:  100: 1 G Fergusson (Sale) 12.25 (CBP); 2 T Ameobi (Gate) 12.29; 3 V Carmichael (Gate) 12.44  400: N Desai (Morp) 59.02  1500:1 N Desai 4:54.65; 2 A Gibson (Els) 4:55.91; 3 R Smith (Dur) 5:00.67  400H: E Morris (SSh) 65.63  HJ: E Morris 1.65 (CBP)  PV: G Kaye (Gate) 2.50  TJ: 1 S Evans (Gate) 10.31; 2 J Jackson (M&C) 9.81  SP: 1 Li Tucker (Blay, U17) 9.75; 2 E Foster (Gate) 9.20; 3 E McLelland (Hart) 8.96  HT: E Foster 36.39 (CBP)
Under 17 Women: 100: 1 S De La Hunt (Gate) 12.57; 2 E Wood (Black B) 12.76; 3 C Jones (Gate) 13.07  300: 1 G Morgan (Shil) 43.47; 2 G Donnelly (Els) 43.50; 3 K Stoker (Morp) 45.52  1500: 1 S Crowe (Els) 4:55.91; 2 S Hart (N Marske) 4:55.97; 3 D James (Morp) 4:57.13  300H: 1 L Hunter (SSh) 50.80; 2 R Forster (J&H) 51.10  HJ: 1 A Pearsons (Duchess HS) 1.53; 2 D Phan (H&P) 1.45; 3 N Garthwaite (SSh) 1.40   PV: D Phan 2.11  TJ: 1 D Phan 10.45; 2 S Thompson (Shil) 10.03; 3 S Brown (Black B) 9.72  SP: 1 Li Tucker (Blay) 10.51; 2 S Dodd (Els) 9.90; 3 V Young (Gate) 9.00  HT: S Dodd 19.21
Under 15 Girls: 100: 1 L Arthur (Gate) 12.77; 2 F Winspear (Midd) 12.80; 3 K Kelsall (Gate) 12.96  1500: 1 S Smith (Tyne) 5:04.12; 2 L Wright (Gate) 5:09.93; 3 V Angus (H&P) 5:11.08  HJ: 1 F Nicholson (unatt) 1.45; 2 Steph Lamb (SSh) 1.40; 3 Sar Lamb (SSh) 1.40  SP: 1 K Wilson (Birt) 10.65 (CBP); 2 K Hutton (Blay) 9.75; 3 Steph Lamb 9.51
Under 13 Girls: 100: 1 A Penn (Black B) 13.47; 2 L Welsh (Gate) 13.56; 3 N Pearson (H&P) 14.21 1500: 1 S Crowell (J&H) 5:33.94; 2 E Spoor (Sun) 5:34.43; 3 D Pickavance-Clarke (Black B) 5:37.11  SP: 1 T Breen (Black B) 7.54; 2 J Wilson (Birt) 6.39; 3 P Maddison (Gate) 6.10
Day 1 Results.
Senior Men: 100: 1 C Telford (Bord) 10.95; 2 B Geddes (Gate) 11.13; 3 J Deacon (SSh) 11.15  400: S Redshaw (Gate) 51.17  1500: 1 S Horn (Els) 4:01.21; 2 R Cole (Midd) 4:01.30; 3 V Wilson (Morp) 4:02.64  110H: S Nyananyo (Midd) 16.66  SP: 1 P Reed (Morp) 14.88; 2 P Corrigan (NSP) 13.20  DT: 1 P Reed 52.43; 2 A Bajwa (unatt) 39.16; 2 P Corrigan 36.09
Under 20 Men:  100: 1 P Vickers (Midd) 11.04; 2 A Robson (Hart) 11.16; 3 P Middleton (NSP) 11.36  400: 1 S Gill (M&C) 49.48; 2 C Campbell (Gate) 51.0  1500: 1 R McLeod (Els) 4:01.59; 2 C Parr (Gate) 4:01.61; 3 K Wilson (Morp) 4:02.56  110H: 1 P Middleton 14.80; 2 J Stacey (Gate) 16.71  SP: 1 C Sturrock (Gate) 14.76; 2 A Smith (Midd) 13.13; 3 J Stacey 11.32  DT: C Sturrock 36.55
Under 17 Men:  100: 1 P Moore (Morp) 11.43; 2 J Sinclair (Gate) 11.45; 3 B Wilson (Midd) 11.55  400: 1 B Walpole (Gate) 50.64; 2 M Scott (CleS) 52.83; 3 T Patton (Gate) 52.90  1500: 1 J Taylor (Midd) 4:15.09; 2 L Moses (N Ayc) 4:16.20; 3 N Shrubb (Morp) 4:17.65  100H: 1 C Crawford-Glanville (Gate) 14.44; 2 D Pope (Gate) 14.46  LJ: 1 L Robson (Gate) 6.21; 2 C Crawford-Glanville 6.10; 3 S Egdell (Gate) 6.04  SP: 1 R Ward (H&P) 10.27; 2 D Pope 10.13  DT: 1 G Hill (Midd) 44.32; 2 L Robson (Gate) 32.84; 3 J Armstrong (Morp) 32.09
Under 15 Boys:  100: 1 R Harrison (Gate) 11.73; 2 L McElwee (Midd) 11.90; 3 A Todd (Shil) 11.90  400: 1 J Sinclair (Tyne) 57.09; 2 G Docherty (Birt) 57.34; 3 A Stanton (SSh) 57.46  1500: 1 J Pearson (Els) 4:31.69; 2 W Roberts (Shil) 4:32.32; 3 L Stockton (Midd) 4:35.81  80H: 1 A Renwick (Gate) 12.56; 2 R Harrison 12.59  HJ: 1 W Pike (Gate) 1.61; 2 N Ridgeon (SSh) 1.60; 3 A Dalby (Gate) 1.55  TJ: 1 D Blackett (Gate) 11.80; 2 S Gibson (Morp) 11.29; 3 A Dalby 11.07  SP: 1 N Ridgeon 10.23; 2 P Brown (Black B) 9.75
Under 13 Boys:  100: 1 J Corrigan (Midd) 13.49; 2 J Douglas (Morp) 13.66; 3 D Leadbitter (Gate) 13.69  1500: 1 C Bell (CleS) 4:58.40; 2 S Ruddick (Blay) 5:00.04; 3 C Watson (St Cuthberts) 5:00.50  SP: C France (Gate) 8.30
Senior Women:  800: 1 K Johns (Gate) 2:13.62; 2 C Wilson (Morp) 2:19.36; 3 J Elliott (Blay) 2:21.48  5000: 1 C Smallwood (J&H) 17:41.0; 2 A Hunter (J&H) 19:00.6  100H: L Yellop (unatt) 16.07  LJ: E Smith (Sale) 5.47  JT: 1 K Ritchie (Gate) 38.53 (CBP): 2 S Mohamed (J&H) 36.18; 3 R Chatt (Midd) 30.75
Under 20 Women:  200: 1 T Ameobi (Gate) 25.43; 2 V Carmichael (Gate) 25.53; 3 E Morris (SSh) 26.34  800: 1 N Desai (Morp) 2:16.56; 2 A Gibson (Els) 2:20.72; 3 S Evans (J&H) 2:23.46  5000: N Owens (Shil) 21:01.9  100H: 1 G Fergusson (Sale) 13.88 (CBP); 2 E Morris 14.90  LJ: E Morris 4.92
Under 17 Women:  200: 1 S de la Hunt (Gate) 26.10; 2 E Wood (Black B) 26.83; 3 G Donnelly (Els) 27.39  800: 1 S Hart (N Marske) 2:23.08; 2 D James (Morp) 2:25.13; 3 M Ferrier (Gate) 2:27.36  3000: 1 S Crowe (Els) 10:39.06; 2 J Orr (Quak) 10:55.95; 3 E Nesbitt (Morp) 11:15.92  80H: 1 A Dopierala (Gate) 12.4; 2 E Payne (Midd) 12.8; 3 L Hunter (SSh) 13.0  LJ: 1 R Abbs (Dur) 5.28; 2 S de la Hunt 4.90; 3 L Hunter (SSh) 4.76  DT: 1 Li Tucker (Blay) 34.32; 2 S Dodd (Els) 28.18  JT: H Conroy (Midd) 29.38
Under 15 Girls:  200: 1 F Winspear (Midd) 26.84; 2 L McMichael (CleS) 27.20; 3 L Arthur (Gate) 27.35  800: 1 S Smith (Tyne) 2:20.27; 2 R Shield (Dur) 2:23.88; 3 S Duffy (Gate) 2:24.12   DT: A Maddison (Gate) 34.32 (CBP)  JT: K Wilson (Birt) 26.86
Under 13 Girls:  200: A Penn (Black B) 28.70  800: 1 S Crowell (J&H) 2:32.89; 2 E Spoor (Sun) 2:34.14  LJ: 1 N Pearson (H&P) 4.23; 2 C Gill (Black B) 4.03
Day 1 Further Results.
Senior Women: 200: 1 L Yellop 27.41; 2 N Roe (Morp) 27.90
Under 20 Men: LJ: 1 G Jackson 6.69; 2 D Burns 6.34
Under 15 Boys: DT: J Skelton (Blay) 28.66
Senior Women:  DT: 1 C Moore (unatt) 43.49; 2 E Dwan (unatt) 32.37; 3 N Terry (Gate) 27.77
Under 15 Girls: 75H: 1 Steph Lamb 12.65; 2 F Nicholson 12.76; 3 Sar Lamb 12.76  LJ: 1 Steph Lamb 4.99; 2 L McMichael (CleS) 4.76; 3 K Kelsall 4.62
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 12th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Day 1 results sent am Sunday, got lost in "system". Two records not mentioned were in heats of Under 13 200m (by both Corrigan and Leadbitter), and Natalie Owens whose amended 5000m time was 21:01.91. Amended times for Claire and Angela were 17:41.10 and 19:00.66. These results not available on day and those listed were done from memory. A power cut meant other Day 1 results were not available until Sunday. Due to the rearranged venue, there were problems including the necessity of a generator. The noise and fumes in the early stages of the programme, caused the Pole Vault to be postponed (it was by the landing bed) and a cable had to brought from Bishop Auckland to erase the problem. Several vaulters, including a lady who had travelled from Luton, could not compete on Day 2. Despite other minor problems (eg 6 lane track), the programme seemed to go off all right. There was a 5.15 finish on Saturday and 5.00 on Sunday. Felt the second day, like the first, should have started at 10.30, rather than 11.00. Those present seemed to be fleeced by the local council/caterers though, with a £1.50 car park charge and a 70p charge for a cup of tea/coffee. In fact according to a well known journalist, the catering charges were the only world record, at the championships.
Weather bright, though it rained quite heavily before start of Day 2 events. Side wind which was slightly stronger on second day and affected 200m more than 100m. Fergusson won 100m by a clear margin, though I understand there was a split decision on judge's stand. Angela was 4th in 1500m (5:06.08). John Moore was 5th in 800m (1:59.43) and 6th in 1500m (4:10.23). I am sure both these times bettered his 2002 pb. Veteran performances omitted included Steve Towers (M45) 4th in Hammer (38.18), Phil Jones (M40) third in 400m (55.22) and Eric Smart (M45) 4th in 200m heat (24.41). James Minter (Middlesbrough - Mandale), crossed the line first in 8000m final (sub 2 mins, I think), but was disqualified for breaking too early. Richard Kay missed 800m as he had trouble finding Stadium.
Thanks to Vera and Sid for results. As Journal and AW have different results styles, it took until 11.00 Saturday and 11.45 Sunday to key them in..
I think most people would prefer the programme to be divided into different weekends, though the main problem is the hectic timetable at this time of year. It is a very intense two days for all concerned. As has been suggested by many people, the track season should run from May to September.
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Veterans A.A -North East Standards Meeting.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Wed. 7th May.
Selected Results.
M40:  200: P Jones (Walls) 24.9  800: 1 T Hardman (Elvet) 2:11.6; 2 G Harden (Sun) 2:13.3; 3 M Telford (Walls) 2:13.6   DT: J Wood (Birt) 26.42  JT: J Wood  32.14
M45:  200: A Readman (H&P) 25.3  800: G Pemberton (NE Vets) 2:17.5  3000: A Dent (Blay) 9:32.2  DT: S Towers (J&H) 26.21  JT: T Cornwell (Birt) 25.48
M50:  3000: A Jenkins (Morp) 10:10.6
M55:  200: 1 D Tate (NE Vets) 27.8; 2 T Page (H&P) 28.9  3000: M McNally (Els) 10:15.1  DT: T Hudson (J&H) 30.04  JT: 1 D Tate 29.25; 2 T Hudson 29:10
M65:  800: R Checkley (Heat) 2:53.3  3000: G Smith (Gate) 11:58.8
M70:  200: B Parnaby (NE Vets) 30.3  DT: 1 D Field (Sun) 34.02; 2 R Laidler (Sun) 29.38  JT: R Laidler 23.07
W35:  3000: C Ratcliff (Dur) 10:56.6
W40:  200: L Smith (Morp) 31.0  3000: C Bowman (CleS) 11:14.0
W45:  JT: C Pearson (Birt) 19.55
W55:  3000: V Hancock (Dur) 12:17.0
W60:  200: K Stewart ((NSP) 36.0  800: K Stewart 3:09.9  3000: C Lee (Gosf) 12:36.2
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 12th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Results sent but along with other info got "lost in system". Very few competitors but as usual, field events were by no means finished, when track competition was over. Hence only limited results available. These did not  include the Hammer, where there were a few decent throwers. Heaton had three competitors, apart from Reg, Anita Nott clocked 12:00.5 in 3000m, and George Routledge clocked 15:01.2 in 3000m and threw 19.18 in Javelin.
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Heaton Harriers Jesmond Dene Handicap.
Mon. 5th May.
There was a record turn-out of 115 competitors, in the first of the Heaton Harriers Jesmond Dene Handicap Series, last night. Junior athletes, Chris Lamb of Chester Le Street and Aiveen Fox of Morpeth clocked the fastest times.
Result: Distance 5.5km.
1 E Ling (unatt, L) 25:16; 2 P Reidlinger (unatt) 25:33; 3 N Benefield (unatt) 25:49; 4 S Muir (unatt) 26:58; 5 C Spark (Elvet, L) 27:00; 6 P Lancaster (NSP) 27:11
Fastest: C Lamb (CleS, U20) 17:41; 2 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 18:12; 3 R Stephenson (NSP, U17) 18:13   Women: 1 A Fox (Morp, U20) 20:36; 2 S Heatley (Gate, W35) 21:21; 3 K Rodmell (Bord, U17) 21:33
(Newcastle Journal:  Tues. 6th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Not used (probably. too late). Will resubmit for next Monday (12th). (footnote:: lost in system). Was on Morpeth website the same evening, though. Bright evening but quite windy. Course reverted back to that used 3 years ago. 113 finishers (two dropped out) beating previous best from 2001 by 3. Good times by Chris and the in-form Aiveen, who was 26th overall (off 8:10). Second fastest lady, S Heatley is a newcomer to me. She was 7th (off 5.50). Rob Walker was 4th fastest (18:17). Paul Johnson was backmarker off 11.30. Ted Joynson was off -12mins and actually beat a few in (105th in 43:05). Terry Lomax was a marshal (with JP). Also in attendance were Mick Groves, George Patterson and their "group". Only limited results available on night (due mainly to large field).
Updated info (8th May). Actually 114 finishers. Chris Lamb was 31st (off 11:20). David Tait was 113th (35:19). Other leading times were Phil Walker 18:34; Nathan Shrubb 18:36; Jimmy Bell 19:00 (off an ungenerous 11:10); Jacqui Elliott 22:34; Helen Smith 24:08, Leanne Brown 24:23 and Helen Morris 24:25.  Heaton fielded four athletes: 17 Richard Dodgson 21:21; 73 Scott McEntee 22:54;  91 Colin McEntee 22:58 and 102 Allen Mulliss 24:20.     .
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Weekly Round-up
(to 4th May).
Gavin Massingham (Sunderland) was third in 800m at BUSA Championship at Bedford. His time was 1:54.59. Mark Hood (Northumbria) was 7th in 10000m (32:14.1). Nisha Desai (Nottingham) was 4th in 800m (2:13.01). Unsure of exact dates. It was very windy .
At the Keswick Half Marathon, Sheila Allen was second lady (82:19) behind S Carson (Cumb R) (81:37).  Mike Walker was first M55 (83:11). Info from AW.
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UKA Young Athletes League.
Sun. 4th May.
Division 1 NE at Jarrow.
The strong wind again affected performances, at this first local meeting of the combined National Boys and Girls Young Athletics League.
1 Rotherham 327.5; 2 Morpeth 316; 3 Scunthorpe 302.5; 4 Blaydon 274
Under 17 Men:  3000: N Shrubb (Morp) 9:17.7 1500St: N Shrubb 4:59.0  SP: L McIntyre (Blay) 10.03  JT: I Ruddick (Blay) 33.86  4 x 400: Blaydon 3:55.0
Under 15 Boys: 100: L Allen (Morp) 13.5  200: L Allen 26.3  80H: A Hicken (Morp) 15.4  LJ: S Gibson (Morp) 5.07  DT: M Davison (Blay) 29.05  4 x 100: Morpeth 53.5
Under 13 Boys: 100: J Douglas (Morp) 14.4  200: J Douglas 28.3  800: D Reagan (Blay) 2:36.4  1500: S Ruddick (Blay) 5:14.5
Under 17 Women:  800: D James (Morp) 2:27.9  1500: E Nesbitt (Morp) 5:18.0  LJ: K Stoker (Morp) 4.61  SP: Li Tucker (Blay) 10.22  DT: Li Tucker 34.22  JT: Li Tucker 27.09
Under 13 Girls:  800: S Goodfellow (Morp) 2:49.8
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 5th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Meeting was not as intense as expected, as only four teams were competing. Field events were well on time, though the turn-out in some events (track as well) was poor (and it will always be, unless four strong teams are in attendance). Not sure whether a combined match for both sexes is a good thing. Nathan Shrubb had a busy weekend. He also clocked 57.6 in 4 x 400m Relay leg. Score subject to scrutiny. Scunthorpe were penalised for officials. They had five helpers (all field), but did not cover the required disciplines. Thanks once again to the top team for results.
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North of England Track and Field League.
Sat. 3rd May.
A late rally by Morpeth could not match the strength of a powerful Middlebrough-Mandale squad, at Saturday's Northern League Division 2 fixture at Monkton Stadium. Though times were affected by the strong headwind in the finishing straight, there was still some good competition. Impressive for the Tessiders were teenager Dean Daniel who defeated current Northern Senior champion, Craig Telford of Border in the 200m and another junior, Stephen Gill who again broke the 50secs barrier in the 400m. Morpeth were helped by the return of Paul Reed who won the Shot and Discus and Frenchman Jerome Geoffroy easily took the High Jump. Chris Sampson and David Swinburne gained maximum points in the Steeplechase. First year junior, Kirk Wilson was untroubled in winning the 1500m. In a good quality 5000m, veteran Rob Hand proved strongest in the final 200m. The Morpeth Womens' team did not fare so well in their match and it was second-claim runner, Claire Smallwood, who took the honours, winning the 800m and 1500m. Aiveen Fox and Angela Hunter took maximum points in the 3000m, and despite the conditions, both set personal best times.
At the Mens' Division 3 match at Middlesbrough, the Tyneside Composite team dominated the track events, but a lack of  field event performers, meant they could only finish fourth behind Seaton. Making a welcome return to competition for the Morpeth B team, was Craig Bradsaw who won both the Long Jump and Triple Jump. Gateshead were the region's representatives in the Division 1 fixture at Blackpool, but a severely depleted squad could only finish 8th.   .
Results.
Men:
Division 1 at Blackpool.
1 Liverpool Pembroke 361; 2 Derby and County 329; 3 Leeds City 296; 4 Blackpool & Fylde 258; 5 Manx 232; 6 Rotherham 220.5; 7 Kingston upon Hull 213.5; 8 Gateshead 180
400: B: N Little (Gate) 51.6  HJ: J Hardie (Gate) 1.96  LJ: A Sturrock (Gate)  B: G Jackson (Gate, U20)
Division 2 at Jarrow.
1 Middlesbrough-Mandale 304; 2 Morpeth 281; 3 Durham City 265; 4 Border B 243; 5 North Shields Poly 192; 6 New Marske 133
100: 1 C Telford (Bord) 11.2; 2 A Selby (Morp) 11.6  B: T Ward (Bord) 11.5  200: 1 T Ward 22.4; 2 A Selby 22.6  B: 1 D Daniel (Midd, U17) 22.1; 2 C Telford 22.3  400: 1 S Gill (Midd, U20) 49.3; 2 S Smith (NSP) 50.8  B: M Gordon (Midd) 50.0  800: 1 C Welsh (Bord) 1:55.5; 2 R Cole (Midd) 1:56.4; 3 S Moralee (Dur, U20) 1:57.4  B: S Pogue (Midd, U20) 1:59.6  1500: 1 K Wilson (Morp, U20) 4:03.3; 2 S Moralee 4:09.8  5000: 1 R Hand (Dur, M40) 15:12.2; T Wall (Morp) 15:13.9; 3 R Kemp (Midd) 15:14.5  B: M Brown (Morp) 15:19.1  3000St: C Sampson (Morp) 9:40.0  B: D Swinburne (Morp) 9:51.9  HJ: J Geoffroy (Morp) 2.05  PV: 1 A Coward (Bord) 3.50; 2 D Jordan (Midd, U20) 3.00; 3 P Coates (Dur) 3.00  LJ: S Clarke (Bord) 6.78  TJ: S Clarke 12.79  SP: 1 P Reed (Morp) 15.46; 2 D Dowson (Midd) 14.19; 3 P Corrigan (NSP) 12.50  DT: 1 P Reed 52.86; 2 L Richards (Midd, U20) 44.30; 3 A Morganella (Bord) 43.05  HT: 1 D Little (Bord) 55.29; 2 A Smith (Midd) 43.13  JT: 1 A Morganella 55.06; 2 P Holmes (Morp) 43.73  4 x 100: 1 Border 43.6; 2 Middlesbrough 44.4; 3 Morpeth 46.2  4 x 400: Middlesbrough-Mandale 3:27.6
Division 3 at Middlesbrough.
1 Seaton 333; 2 Houghton and Peterlee 294; 3 Morpeth B 285; 4 Richmond and Zetland 277; 5 Tyneside Composite 225; 6 Hartlepool Burn Road 219; 7 Birtley 78
100: A Rogers (TC) 11.5  B: N Wiscombe (TC) 11.6  200: A Rogers 22.8  800: D Graham (TC, U20) 2:01.4  1500: 1 M Armstrong (TC, U20) 4:12.6; 2 N Shrubb (Morp, U17) 4:16.1  110H: D Robertson (TC, U20) 17.4  LJ: C Bradshaw (Morp, U20) 6.14  TJ: C Bradshaw 12.92  B: J Evans (H&P, M40) 11.61  PV: I Dodsworth (H&P, U20) 3.10; 2 J Loughran (TS, M50) 2.70  HT: J Wild (R&Z, M50) 36.29
Women.
Division 2 at Jarrow.
1 Wakefield 268; 2 Hull Achilles 212.5; 3 Spenborough 184.5; 4 Morpeth 146; 5 Bingley 140; 6 Nestle Rowntrees 125
800: C Smallwood (Morp) 2:20.7 1500: C Smallwood 4:46.9  3000: A Fox (Morp) 10:27.3  B: A Hunter (Morp) 10:30.2
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 3rd May 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Thanks to "top results team" at Jarrow, Stuart Pailor (via John Moore) and Chris Betts for results. Only limited Division 1 info. I gather Chris had a torrid time raising a team. Long Jump distances not given. Never heard of their High Jumper. Has Graham Jackson been injured recently ? Jarrow meeting started 90mins late due to a Schools event in the morning. Field events fell well behind due to safety precautions. Paul Reed has been 40 for a while, but does not yet want to be known as a "master". Felt sorry for Women Javelin throwers, who were still there when most people had gone home (6.45). They also were the only competitors (apart from Morpeth), who had to travel a long distance.   Good run by Kirk Wilson. Gerard Sharp in third, won B event. Meeting honoured by presence of Tony Ward, who was with son, Tim.  Claire also competed in both Relays. The 4 x 400m team of Danielle Watts, Aiveen Fox, Nicola Halliday (not fit at present) and Claire (64.5) finished third. Angela (pb by 30secs) ran in 400m (71secs) less than 15mins after 3000m. Carla Taylor no-heighted in High Jump. At Middlesbrough, John Moore was second in 400m for Composite team (managed by Chris Robson) in 53.6 (edged out by Seaton's Michael White). He won B 800m (2:06.5) but was denied a run in both Relays, as Dave Robertson got an injury. Mark Slesser (1st in B 1500m) crossed the line first in the 5000m, just ahead of Jon Orange (15:53.3), but was only competing as a guest. All spare Composite athletes, could run as guests, but Mick Groves (who provided extra info) was not happy. The Slessers actually turned up at Jarrow, first.
Further info (8th May from AW). Chris Parr was 3rd in 800 at Blackpool (1:57.2) and Steve Horn (1:58.7) won B event. Graham Jackson was 2nd in Triple Jump (13.62) but Long Jump result not printed. At Middlesbrough, Womens' Division 3 match was won by New Marske. Sam Hart won 800m (2:19.8) from Jacqui Elliott (2:20.5) and Helen Paton (2:23.9). Nicola Baker won Shot (10.72) and Discus (37.07).
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