A goodly number of KTH’s talent young athletes were in action at the Northants County Schools Championships, held at Corby Rockingham Triangle on a pleasantly warm day. Four wins and five runners-up places represented a good day’s work by the Harriers.
First in action was the Junior Girls 800m, where Jess Gordon was making her championship debut. Jess ran a tactically sound race sitting in behind the early leader, Natalie Goddard, and maintained this position through to the end securing selection for the Mason Trophy on the 18th June at Birmingham Alexander Stadium, and knocking over 5 seconds off the personal best with 2.30.0. Favourite for the title, KT Harrier 800m specialist Fran Ashworth, was unable to compete as she has not yet fully recovered from a hamstring strain.
Also competing in this age group was Lorna Milne who matched Jess’s achievement when finishing second in the 75 metre hurdles. Her time of 13.5 matched her personal best and earns her a ticket to Birmingham. Lorna also ran an equal PB in the 100m, clocking 14.4 for 7th place. Meanwhile, Harriet Sumnall took 4th in the Discus.
Maisie Green continued her ongoing battle with local rival Ellie Welch in the Junior Girls’ 1500m. Following a slow start Maisie took an early lead and was closely followed by Ellie and the remaining pack. After 2 laps, Maisie continued to push hard, and gaps started to appear within the field, but Ellie remained on her shoulder throughout, and just managed to out kick her in the final 100m to take first position in 5.01.7, with Maisie clocking 5.03.4, and securing selection for the Mason trophy.
Next in action were the KTH intermediate Boys 800m specialists Eddie Cherry and Matt Stewart. From the gun Eddie took the lead, and was closely followed by his team mate Matt, positions they maintained through to the finish. Neither was troubled as they clocked 2.06.6, and 2.08.2 for first and second place; both rewarded with Mason Trophy selection, and both will need fast races in order to obtain the qualification time of 1.59 in a week’s time.
In the same age group, Bradley Fox was involved in a high-quality 100m. Despite shaving another 0.1 second off his best (11.8), he had to settle for fourth place. He took the same spot in the High Jump, clearing 1.65m.
Junior Boys 1500m specialist Josh Cara, and Jack Hope were looking to secure selection in a very competitive race. From the start Jack Murphy who has had some titanic battles over the past years with Josh, took the lead and set off at a fast pace. Josh immediately sat in behind him and stuck with him throughout the race, pushing him hard all the way to the line. Jack was just able to hold off a fast finish from Josh clocking 4.34.5, with Josh setting his 5th PB of the season with 4.35.2, and securing runner up spot for the Mason trophy. Jack Hope also continued his battle with Kyran Wilson for 3rd and 4th position with Kyran just securing third position in 4.45.3 with Jack Hope closing him down fast in the last 50m clocking 4.45.7, for a new lifetime best.
Niamh Bailey was in imperious form in the Intermediate Girls section, winning both the 300m and High Jump very comfortably. She stopped the clock at 42.1, well ahead of the Corby pair of Olivia Sellars and Charlotte Redden. She equalled her PB in the High Jump, clearing 1.60m, with her competitors far behind. Kayli Walford was also in action in this age group and in a close 1500m race she was perhaps feeling the effects of a 5k road race on Wednesday and tired on the last lap finishing 5th with 5.12.9, some way off her best.
Last off was new KTH recruit Josh Coles who was looking to continue his fine recent form from the Midland Senior league, and Liam Kirk running his less favoured shorter distance. Josh took an early lead from the start sitting in behind U19 guest runner Ryan Burling, which he comfortably held until the finish, closing down burling in the last 100m with his customary strong finish, winning in 4.24.9 and also securing selection for the Mason trophy. Liam finished in 3rd position
A fine effort from all, with 8 Harriers qualifying for next week’s County team in Birmingham (Niamh in two events). We wish them good luck in what should be a highly competitive competition.