Young Mansfield Harriers shine at English Schools Athletics Championships

Six young athletes from the Mansfield Harriers club were represented at the prestigious English Schools Championships, held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham over the weekend.
Jess Lake, who finished a fine fifth in the 300m hurdles at the English Schools Athletics Championships.Jess Lake, who finished a fine fifth in the 300m hurdles at the English Schools Athletics Championships.
Jess Lake, who finished a fine fifth in the 300m hurdles at the English Schools Athletics Championships.

The standard of competition was very high, but all six performed admirably, led by Kelsey Pearce, who followed up last year’s bronze medal with seventh place in the intermediate girls’ shot after a massive put of 12.10 metres.

In the same age group, Lauren McNeil only just missed out on a place in the final of the 1500m, even though she had had to miss a couple of weeks’ preparation and two key races because of a muscle strain, and Jess Lake was a fine fifth in a strong heat for the 300m hurdles.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Luke Duffy finished a frustrated fourth in the senior boys’ 1500m. He looked comfortable in qualification, but the final was a tactical affair and he was boxed in when four rivals made a break for home 800m out.

In the senior girls’ 1500m, Amber Scott was eighth in the final of the 1500m steeplechase, which was a superb effort considering she only took up the discipline this year and this was only her third competition at it.

Sophie Brown also enjoyed her debut at the event, placing 16th in the final of the junior girls’ discus.

Related topics: