Preston Harriers youngsters competed in Athletics’ National Cup Final for the 7th year out of the last 8 in Birmingham last Saturday. Harriers qualified by finishing 2nd in the Premier Division of the Northern Region. The 8 team final proved tough with some of the best athletes competing. Each club has 2 competitors in each event with the better athlete competing as the 'A' Event and the other as the 'B' event.
Harriers took 15 medals, 3 gold, 4 silver and 8 bronzes. Star performer was 12-year-old Liam Blackwell who proved that he is multi-talented by winning the under 13 boys 800metres 'A' Event in 2.25.21. and then winning bronze in the 'A' High jump, clearing 1.40 metres. Fast improving hammer thrower Megan Metcalfe set a new personal best with 30.00 metres in the under 15 'B' event to win gold. Lauryn Wood set the track alight with a blistering run in the 75 metre under 13 'B' Event with 10.36 seconds, a new lifetime best. Adrian Barbu has made huge strides since joining the club 2 months ago to putt the shot a lifetime best of 13.40m in under 15's 'A' Event. Hammer provided the largest haul of medals with Emma Vickers and David Jeans in the under 15 girls and boys event respectively, alongside Megan's gold. Libby Russell and Ewan Marsden in the Pole Vault and Long Jump were silver medal winners.Double bronze for Evie Parkinson in the high jump and javelin. While Lauren Tunstall, Alisha Ibitoye and Tom Bebbington all won bronze in the high hump, 300m and the shot respectively. The team finished a creditable eighth position.