Athletics: Golden performances from teenagers

Jun 20 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

THERE were some outstanding performances by young pupils at the Scottish Schools Track and Field Championships at Grangemouth.

In the Group A class for Over 17 girls, Sally Webster, who represents Paisley Grammar School, surpassed her expectations by winning two gold medals.

Sally won the Shot Putt with an effort measured at 8.94m and she followed that up with a victory in the Discus, throwing 28.13m.

Talented Sally capped a fine day by breaking her own Kilbarchan Athletic Under 20s club record for the Hammer – with a throw of 33.30m, which gave her third place.

In the same age group, Debbie Henderson, representing Johnstone High School, in her first ever 400m Hurdles race, won gold in an impressive 67.13secs.

Also for Group A girls, Judith McNicol of Gryffe High School, won the 100m Hurdles in a time of 18.61secs and was third in the Triple Jump with an effort of 10.09m.

For the boys Group A, Connor Henderson, also a pupil at Gryffe High School in Houston, retained his 400m Hurdles title and the George Duncan Trophy in a speedy 56.52secs.

Gold medals were also won by Andrew McLaughlin, in the Group B (15-17yrs) Shot with a fine 14.81m and Andrew was also second in the Hammer with a Kilbarchan club record of 51.58m.

There was gold and a special trophy award for Hazel Ross of Park Mains High School in the group B girls 80m Hurdles, timed at 11.99s and Hazel also won silver in the 300m Hurdles with a time of 46.66secs.

Another Gryffe High pupil, Adrian Mendez-McVeigh, won two silver medals in the Group C (14-15years) category, for the 400m in 54.08secs and the 800m in 2mins 9.43sec.

And there were also silvers for Natalie Sharp in the Group A (over 17s) 1500m (4mins 39.50secs) and for Graham Evans, in the Group B 1500m Steeplechase (4mins 39.64secs).

Also winning Silver medals in Group C (14-15 yrs) were Sarah Glenny for the 200m (27.-07s) Park Main High pupil Kate Gillies in the 800m (2.22.52) and Corinne Brooks (Paisley GS) in the High Jump (1.50m).