Ayr Seaforth runner smashes 18-year record

Jun 18 2008 Ayrshire Post

SEVERAL Ayr Seaforth athletes were in sparkling form at the Scottish Power secondary schools track and field championships at Grangemouth.

There was double gold for Caroline George of Belmont Academy in the group ‘C’ (14 to 15 years) 100 metres (12.7 secs) and 200 metres (25.3 secs).

In the 200 metres heat, her time of 25.18 secs broke the championship best of 25.2 secs which has stood since 1990.

In one of the closest and most exciting finishes of the championships, Sarah Cassells (Queen Margaret Academy) won gold in the group ‘C’ (14-15 years) 1500 metres (5.10.75).

Finlay Rae (Belmont Academy) was an impressive winner of the gold medal in group ‘D’ (under 14) 1500 metres (4.28.04).

Silver medals went to: Group ‘B’ (15-17 years): Murray Beckwith (Marr College) 100 metres (11.43 secs).

Group ‘C’ (14-15 years): Rachel Whittle (Marr College): 100 metres (12.7 secs), 200 metres (25.33 secs); Wallace Graham (Prestwick Academy): 100 metres (12.35 secs), 200 metres (25.10 secs).

Bronze medals: Group ‘C’ (14-15 years): Rachel Whittle (Marr College) high jump (1.50); Group ‘D’ (under 14): James Gaffney (Belmont Academy) shot putt (11.62); Group ‘B’ (15-17 years): Claire Taylor (Wellington) 300m hurdles (48.37 secs).

Other results: Girls group ‘B’ (15-17 years): Ciara Gracie (Queen Margaret) 4th long jump (4.91); Rachel Hunter (Kyle Academy) 5th shot putt (8.08); Stephanie Dougan (Wellington) 9th in 1500 metres (5.25.3).

Girls group ‘C’ (14-15 years): Lauren Goldie (Prestwick Academy) 8th javelin (11.18); Rhona McGregor (Wellington) 3rd in 200m heat (28.06); Katy Sprang (Craigholm, Glasgow) 6th in 1500m heat (5.21.31).

Girls group ‘D’ (under 14): Jemma McSheffery (Belmont) 8th in 800m final (2.43.77); Kendal Ross (Prestwick) 4th in 200m heat (27.75 secs); Caitlin Gillon (Kyle Academy) 5th in 100m heat (14.4), 7th in 200m heat (30.06), 8th in long jump (3.75).

Boys group ‘B’ (15-17 years): Murray Beckwith (Marr College) 4th in 200m final (23.63); Jonathon Thompson (Ayr Academy) 6th in 200m heat (25.69); 10th in triple jump (10.93); Andrew Rae (Belmont) 6th in 1500m heat (4.30.33).

Boys group ‘C’ (14-15 years): Adam Steven (Prestwick) 4th in 800m heat (2.20.03).

Boys group ‘D’ (under 14): Liam Anderson (Prestwick) 4th in long jump (4.02).

lThe Ayrshire schools team travel to Grangemouth on Wednesday this week for the annual regional secondary schools match.

On current performances, the Ayrshire team are hopeful of a good result.

lThe second open and track athletics meeting takes place at Dam Park on Wednesday (June 18) at 7pm. All age groups from under 11 to seniors.

Events are 80 metres, 200 metres, 600 metres, 800 metres, long jump, high jump, shot putt and discus.

lThe Scottish Masters Track and Field Championships take place at Pitreavie on Saturday.