North East Youth Development League Meet 2 - Gateshead

[1-Jun-2014]

It was warm and humid as the Blyth athletes arrived for the second NEYDL meeting of the season in the impressive surroundings of the Gateshead International Stadium.

Hannah Ross-Knight and Emily Kennedy were first on track in the U13 70m hurdles. This was both girls first ever hurdles race and they were simply brilliant, showing excellent technique and a lot of potential for the future.

Both Hannah and Emily then made their debuts in the Long Jump. Hannah jumped 2.98m for 5th place in the ‘A’ competition, and Emily leapt to 2.53m for 4th in the ‘B’ competition.

Hannah also ran in the 100m, knocking a tenth off her personal best with a 16.2s run. Emily Kennedy ran her first 200m in 45.1m. Both girls showed fantastic spirit throughout the day.

Our sole U15 girl was Lucy Ross-Knight. Following her High Jump heroics at the last meeting she focused on the 100m on this occasion. A strong run was rewarded with a time of 15.8s and its worth remembering that Lucy is one of the youngest in her age group and is sure to go onto further great performances.

Our U17 women’s team was represented by Erin Scott and Alice Dungworth. In the 100m Alice ran yet another fast time to finish 2nd in 13.4.

Erin was a little short of her best in the 1500m but still finished third and should be proud of her determination.

In the Long jump Erin achieved a big seasons best (3.38m). Alice jumped out to 4.12m which was an impressive PB. In the shot Erin was making her debut but that didn’t stop her winning the ‘B’ competition with a superb throw of 5.40m. Alice finished 2nd in the ‘A’ competition with a new PB of 6.11m. Well done ladies!

In the U13 boys category our sole representative was Josh Fiddaman. His 100% track victory record was maintained in style thanks to a comfortable victory in the 1500m, as well as an impressive win in the 100m (not bad for a middle distance runner!). Josh also more than doubled his Javelin PB for third place. Great stuff Josh!

In the U15 boys category Adam Swalwell showed sprinting form that will no doubt make his Dad proud! Adam knocked 0.6s off his 100m PB to finish 3rd in the ‘A’ race. In the 200m he again destroyed his PB to finish 3rd.

Taylor Glover ran in the 800m race, and this talented youngster finished 2nd in a fantastic 2:17.8s. Very few seniors at the club are capable of running this fast, I’m sure a lot more is to come from Taylor. Connor Marshall ran a strong race to finish 2nd in the 1500m race, and there is plenty more to come from him this year without doubt. Taylor also competed in the shot, finishing third on his debut in the event.

Finally we were represented by Blyth debutant Adam Wright in the 100m & 200m. Adam is without doubt a fantastic prospect and ran 12.4s in his first competitive 100m race, finishing 2nd to a far more experienced athlete. In the 200m Adam tied up a little in the final 15m but still ran 25.7 to finish 3rd.

Alnwick provided four young athletes who performed superbly, meaning we finished the day 5th out of 6. Whilst all athletes performed fantastically the lack of depth was clear to see, meaning a higher finish is impossible with the current number of athletes. It would be fantastic to see more juniors having a go at the next meeting as its great fun and provides superb competition experience. Just speak to any of the junior coaches for more info!

Daniel Njai