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JEDBURGH BORDER GAMES REPORT 2008 (Official Results)

IT WAS up wi’ the Souters at Jedburgh Border Games on Saturday.
No fewer than four athletes from Selkirk tasted victory at the most lucrative meeting on the Border Games circuit.
And leading the way was Colin Bruce, who landed the 155th Jed-Forest Sprint. The 43-year-old only came out of retirement last year and, running from a handicap of 10.5 metres, repeated his 110 metres victory of 1993 with a fantastic run in the final. A first-prize purse of £2,250 went to the winner along with a silver medal, a sash and a cup.
Following the final Colin told us: ‘I started running again at the start of last summer because my son, Craig, fancied a go. I didn’t run well last year but I’ve done a hard winter in the gym and I seem to have improved with each race this season. I nailed every start today it’s a brilliant feeling to have won again. The win at Jed 15 years ago was my last win on the circuit and it’s been worth the wait to do it again. Bruce, who is coached by Davie Rae, was followed over the line by Chirnside’s Patrick Swan (0.5) with Pat Donaghy (6.5) of Durham in third.

The Souter rounded off a memorable day for Selkirk as earlier Iain Douglas (scr) produced a tremendous run to win the Jedburgh Unionist Club youths’ 400 metres (14-16 years). The 16-year-old came from the back to beat Hawick’s Ewan Imray (17) and Steven Cessford (24) of Earlston. Following his win the Selkirk Track athlete said: ‘I’m delighted to have won again. It hasn’t been the best of seasons with injury but the problems are soon forgotten when you win.â€�

Rowan Marr (150) from Selkirk was competing for the first time on the circuit as he out-sprinted Hawick’s Keith Potts (170) up the home straight in the Rory Stewart Plasterer youths’ 800 metres.
The confident 11-year-old Ettrickbridge Primary pupil, who is a member of Gala Harriers, said: ‘I thought I had a good chance before the race but it was really hard. It’s a great feeling to have won.’

And completing the Selkirk four-timer was 16-year-old Ewan Brownlee (22). The apprentice joiner shaved almost a second of his personal best to land the DE Fencing youths’ 200 metres. Ewan, who is part of Selkirk Track, told us: ‘I was second last week at Earlston which made me even more determined to get a win today.’ Jedburgh’s Callum Young (44) finished second with James Parker (16) of Hawick in third.

The LS Starret open 800 metres promised to be the race of the day with several of the country’s leading middle-distance runners taking part. But the final turned into a procession with 61-year-old George Hunter (180) of Pitreavie upsetting the form book to break the tape and winning £600 and the Spread Eagle Hotel Cup. The reigning Scottish and British over-60s champion couldn’t hide his delight. He said: ‘I knew going into this race that I was in good form and running just over 600 metres suits me.’ Talented teenager Chris O’Hare (20) from West Linton finished thirty metres behind in second with Lasswade’s Dean Philips (30) in third.

Student Kenneth Ward (14) stormed to victory in the Wallace McDonald 400 metres. The 19-year-old from Chirnside, who is coached by Brian Kelly, caught the leaders on the second-last bend to kick for home. He was followed across the line by fast-finishing duo Craig Robertson (2) from Pitreavie and Czech Michael Barvik (scr).

The J Laidlaw & Sons Builders open 200 metres was won on the line by Costorphine’s Andy Cullen (21) from Bonchester’s Dougie Moffat (18). The 47-year-old, who trains with the John Ross school, was pleased to have finally broken the tape. He said: ‘That’s my first win for a while so I’m delighted. I wasn’t sure I’d got it,  it was really close.’
David Knox (33) from Selkirk was third.

International sprinter Steven Charters narrowly failed to progress from his heat of the main Jed-Forest Sprint.
But the 21-year-old found consolation by winning the LS Starret 100 metres Border Championship. Charters was followed over the line by Patrick Swan and Michael Barvik in the scratch race.

Gareth Gettinby (1.5) won The Tavern 70 metres handicap from Melrose’s Peter Denholm (3) and Eric Smart (5) of Gateshead.

And football manager Graham Armstrong (6.5) defied his years to break the tape in the Border Ready Mix Veterans’ 90 metres handicap. The 51-year-old from Edinburgh crossed the line inches in front of Hawick’s Davie Grieve (4) and Edinburgh’s Tom Bradley (12).

The M&M Memorial Youths’ 90 metres required a lengthy photograph debate to separate the first three. And after the delay it was Peter Vint (17.5) who was announced the winner ahead of Bonchester’s Emily Douglas (12) and Jedburgh’s Paul Ferguson (5.5). The 14-year-old, who is coached by Scott Renwick, told us: ‘That’s the first time I’ve ever been in a final.

For poor Emily Douglas it was a case of being the bridesmaid yet again in the confined 90 metres. The 15-year-old, who is coached by Chico Woods, was again inched out of a win in the RJT Excavations youths 90 metres for Borders runners.Jed’s Paul Ferguson (5.5), from the John Steede school, just dipped onto the line to claim victory from Emily (12) with Eyemouth’s Greg Gillan (10.5) in third.

Laura Anderson (75) from Berwick was an impressive winner of the Jedburgh Unionist Club youths’ 400 metres (10-13 years). The 13-year-old, who is coached by Henry Gray, was caught on the final bend by Jedburgh’s Greg Young (55) but she kicked away again up the home straight. Laura, who is more used to distance races, said: ‘We do a lot of speed work at training and thought we should give the 400 a go.’ Robbie Shepherdson (60) from Edinburgh finished third.

The Lodge St John youths’ 1500 metres produced one of the most exciting finishes of the entire day with Earlston’s Dan Purves (140) coming late to steal victory. William Shepherdson(345) from Edinburgh and Kelso’s Jason McIntosh (325) had battled for the lead throughout the four laps and came into the home straight stride-for-stride.
But Purves came up the outside to edge in front just before the line with Shepherdson second and McIntosh third. The 13-year-old winner said: ‘I was fourth earlier in the 800 metres and wanted to do better in this one. My legs were hurting towards the end but I just sprinted as hard as I could.’

The Special Race was won yet again by Stuart Mabon of Peebles who just dipped on the line to deny Jedburgh’s Craig Sharratt and Graham Laing of Morebattle.

KELSO BORDER GAMES REPORT 2008 (Official Results)

THERE are few greater feelings than winning in front of your home crowd. And for teenager Andrew Hogarth, running from 10 metres, the dream became a reality at Poynder Park. The 18-year-old raced through the Cross Keys Hotel 100 metres heats and cross-ties impressively but a strong final field awaited, which included Hawick trio Davie Rae (3.5), Davie Grieve (10) and John Paxton (12). But the Addie Gray runner showed great composure and strength to open up, and maintain, a metre lead all the way to the line. Edinburgh’s Graham Armstrong (13.5) finished second with Grieve in third.
A delighted Hogarth said: I did a time trial on Thursday which went well but I’ve had a slight injury. Thankfully I ran well again today and managed to win.
I must thank Addie for all of his hard work to help me win this. One man who also deserves a pat on the back is handicapper Ernie Blair for serving up countless close finishes.

The Maxwell Motors one-lap race was won in the final strides by Dalkeith’s Kevin Turner (34). The 43-year-old shadowed leader Gregor Nicholson (43) from Peebles round the bottom bends. And a great effort up the home straight saw Turner just inch ahead approaching the line with Ross Trimby (20) finishing just behind Nicholson in third. Turner told us: That’s my first win in over four years so I am thrilled. I tried to pace it well although I still struggled to get up to win.

Former Scottish indoor champion Colin Welsh struggles to train as much as he used to since becoming a firefighter. But the 24-year-old still produced a tremendous run to come from scratch and win the Rutherfords of Earlston 800 metres. Welsh caught the front-runners with around half a lap to go and kicked for home with Jonathon Wolf (45), also from Kelso, and Hawick’s Reece Taylor (47.5) hot on his heels. But Welsh’s strength carried him home to a rousing reception from his home crowd. He said: The conditions didn’t make it easy but I kept picking them off. I had a quick breather when I caught up with the pack and just went for it after that.

The SKS Joinery 1600 metres turned into a two-horse race at the bell with Hawick’s Derek Scott (160) going through around 40 meters clear from the fast-finishing Daryl Hastie (scr). Despite a huge effort from Hastie, Scott just managed to hold on to the line with Glasgow’s John Archibald staying on to collect third. The 21-year-old winner, who is coached by Davie Rae, told us: That was really hard. My legs were still a bit sore from Hawick on Saturday but I kept going. I knew Daryl was coming but I kept working hard to get to the line.

Whatever the seniors could produce, the youths went even better with endless excitement and blanket finishes on the rutted rugby park. Despite false-starting in both his heat and in the final, which results in a one-metre penalty, Jedburgh’s Callum Young (23) managed to win the Border Precision (10-13 years) 100 metres from Hawick’s James Parker (10) and Selkirk’s Kyle Stillie (13). Following his win 10-year-old Young, who is coached by John Steede, said: ‘I’ll have to work on my starts but I’m still really pleased to get my first win.’

The Steede school also collected first in the Border Precision (14-16 years) 100 metres with Craig Gillon (7) just edging out Jedburgh’s Paul Ferguson (7) and Steven Cessford (9) from Earlston. Gillon was delighted to have won. He told us: I wasn’t sure if I’d won? It was really, really close.
The 14-year-old jets off to the Dominican Republic this week and won’t be able to run on his home track. He added: I’m gutted about missing Jedburgh.

The youths one-lap races also produced fantastic finishes. In the Border Precision (14-16 years) one lap final Hawick’s Ewan Imray (15) snatched victory in the final strides from Selkirk’s Ewan Brownlee (23) with Greig Paxton (46) from Hawick a further half-metre back in third. Imray, who is coached by Davie Rae, said: It was a struggle to get through but I kept going and managed to find room on the home straight.
And in the Border Precision (10-13 years) one lap final Hawick’s James Parker (16) just got up in the final strides to break the tape from Martha Douglas (43) of Bonchester and Hawick,s Kevin Potts (62). Parker, who is part of the Billy Edgar school, was pleased to go one better than his runners-up place in the sprint. The 13-year-old said: That’s my fourth win of the season. I didn’t think I was going to get through but I just kept going up the outside and threw myself over the line.
The Border Concrete youths’’ 800 metres turned into a stride-for-stride battle between Earlston’s Dan Purves (75) and Berwick’s Laura Anderson (150).
Purves, who is coached by Scott Renwick, reached the shoulder of the 13-year-old girl with half-a-lap remaining. But the Northern Counties age-group champion kicked for home on the final bend. And only a powerful finish from the Earlston runner gave him a metre advantage crossing the line. Purves said: I wasn’t sure I was going to get her. I didn’t expect her to sprint when I caught her but I managed to pick up my pace and come back.
Jedburgh’s Greig Young (105) finished third.

Biggest cheer of the day came in the Queen’s Head youths’ 1600 metres. Kelso’s Jason McIntosh (350) led from start to finish to win on his home tra“ but the 10-year-old was pushed all the way by the fast-finishing duo of Laura Anderson (300) from Berwick and Josh Noble (165) from Teviotdale Harriers.

TWEEDBANK BORDER GAMES (June) REPORT 2008 (Official Results)

HE could only finish fourth at the UK Under 23 Championships the previous week but on Saturday, Scotlands number one sprinting prospect was the star attraction at Tweedbank’s first games of the season. Craig Fleming (scr) ran 10.7 seconds to comfortably win his heat of the 100 metres.
And just an hour later the 21-year-old from Glasgow produced one of the quickest times on home soil this year, 10.45, to fly past runner-up Dan Paxton (8) of Hawick with 10 metres to go.
Following his final win Fleming, who is trained by John Hart, told us: I got a good start and felt comfortable all the way down. I thought I would catch everyone after getting the start. I have been running better over 200 metres but Im really pleased with that time.
Fleming's win was the ideal preparation for his 200 metres outing at the televised Celtic Cup on Tuesday. The Billy Edgar-trained Paxton was followed over the line by Selkirks David Knox (17) in the 100 metres final.

Sleepy-head Ally Laurie couldnt produce a middle-distance double after nodding off following his half-mile win. The 44-year-old janitor from Selkirk, running from 147.5 metres, soared past long-time leader Vicky Blair (190) on the final bend to hold on from the fast-finishing Ross Finlayson (30) from Lasswade and Reece Taylor (45) from Hawick. But Lauries bid to double up and win the 1600 metres later in the afternoon didnt even reach the starting line, as he dozed off while resting in the changing rooms. The Selkirk Track runner said: I thought someone would have given me a shout but when I came out to warm up the race had finished. I’m delighted to have won the half mile as it’s my first win of the season. I’ve been training hard and that win was long over due.
The 1600 metres race, without Laurie, went to talented teenager Jonathon Wolf (55) from Kelso. The 17-year-old had to peg back a strong field to sprint away from his coach Keith Lyall (75) on the last lap. And he was delighted with his first senior win. Wolf explained: Coming from the back is always difficult but the wind and rain made it even harder. I’m really pleased to have finally got my first win as a senior and I hope I’ll pick up many more.

Bonchester Bridge’s Douglas Moffat (23) won an exciting 200 metres final after taking a roasting from his coach Chico Woods. The 35-year-old ran wide in his heat allowing Davie Grieve (20) to come through on the inside. But, after qualifying as a fastest loser, Moffat made no mistake in the final to hold on strongly with Grieve a metre back in second and Hawicks David Rae in third.
Moffat told us: I’m really pleased with that run as it is my first win of the season. I got a row from Chico after the heat for letting Davie catch me so I had to really go for it in the final.

Chico’s Jedburgh school also produced the winner of the youths 100 metres. 13-year-old Annabel Hughes (19.5) just held on from the fast finishing James Parker (10) of Hawick and rugby player Grant Runciman (5.5) from Lauder.

The 200-metres also produced a blanket finish with Cardrona’s Ryan Laidlaw (52) giving the Linda Nicholson Moorfoot club their first win of the season. The 11-year-old held on strongly from Earlston’s Ryan Goodfellow (33) and Hawick’s James Parker (19) to break the tape. Following his win Laidlaw said: I am really enjoying running and it’s great to win.

The emerging Dan Purves (80) finally broke the tape in the youths’ 800 metres. The 13-year-old from Earlston, who is coached by Scott Renwick, calmly worked his way through the field to take up the running on the second last bend. And the Selkirk and Earlston runner-up kicked for home down the final straight to win from Hawick’s Kyle Potts (170) and Chris Gray (120) from Edinburgh.
Purves said: I felt pretty good coming round and I managed to keep my pace all the way.

PEEBLES BELTANE SPORTS REPORT 2008 (Official Results)

IN-FORM Glyn Davies turned back the clock yet again on Saturday to land the TGWU & South Park Garage and Paul Spence Sponsored Beltane Sprint.
The 43-year-old from Hawick, who was running from a handicap of 8 metres, destroyed the final field to land the £1,000 purse with ease at Haylodge Park. And it was his coach, Davie Rae, who chased him all the way up the 110 metres track to finish second place.
Davies, who has already won at Hawick Games and was runner-up at Selkirk, admits he is in the form of his life. He told the Border Telegraph: “I had a really hard winter and have managed to stay injury free. I know I am running well and half way up the final I thought I had the race won. I could hear Davie behind me and didnt know how close he was getting. Rae (4.5) was almost two metres behind his stable mate with Loughborough College student Patrick Swan (2.5) in third and Selkirks Colin Bruce fourth.

The torrential rain may have cooled down the distance runners but it also made several of the tight bends a bit slippy. But they didnt prevent Kelso athlete Daryl Hastie (scr) producing a fantastic run in the James Renwick two-miles handicap. The 24-year-old, who is coached by Addie Gray, had to make almost a lap on several top distance runners including Moorfoot trio Will Hynd (240), Michael McGovern (225) and Darren Dougall (240).
But approaching the bell it was Hastie and Fifes Colin Russell (70) who had come through the field to take up the running. And down the back straight the back marker kicked clear to land first prize ahead of Russell and the fast-finishing Dougal. Hastie told us: The track was a bit greasy with all the rain and it was hard work trying to catch the boys at the front. The Moorfoot boys seemed to run as a team which made it even more difficult but I had enough in the end to get through.

Backmarker Douglas Selman (scr) couldnt quite catch the front-runners in the Kingsmeadows 1600 metres handicap. Long-time leader Alec Corbett (235) from Hawick set a strong pace and was still 20 metres in front at the bell but Kenny Short (200) gradually pegged him back down the back straight.
And it was 42-year-old Short who won the sprint for the line with Ryan OHare (95) from West Linton finishing fast to collect third place behind Corbett. Short said: I felt reasonably comfortable going round the early laps but I had to work hard in the end to catch Alec. I have been doing a lot of half-miles recently and I think my speed has improved.

The Beltane meeting also played host to the Stanley Brash Construction British 110 metres Championships. And despite judges deliberating over the photo-finish for almost 10 minutes they couldnt separate Czech sprinter Michael Barvik and former New Year Sprint winner Patrick Swan. 20-year-old Swan appeared to be leading the scratch race half-way up the track but 24-year-old Barvik inched closer with every stride. Swan, who is studying sports science at Loughborough College, felt the dead-heat verdict was a fair one. He said: I knew he was coming back at me in the middle part of the race and I just had to stay relaxed. I really couldnt say who won when we crossed the line a dead heat seems right.

The final of the Peebles Ex-Servicemens Club and Green Tree Hotel 800 metres didnt produce a photo finish but there was still an exciting sprint for the line. Selkirks Ally Laurie (145) led going down the back straight but Dunfermlines Tony Cunningham (25) closed him down approaching the second last bend. Despite a late burst from backmarker Craig Robertson (scr) from Pitreavie it was Cunningham who held on strongly to break the tape and collect the £150 prize. Robertson picked up second with Laurie back in third.

The final of the senior one-lap race also produced an exciting final with Hawicks Davie Grieve (28), who only qualified as a fastest loser, just holding off a late burst from Selkirks Ben Purves (27). Chirnsides Kenneth Ward (21) was a further metre behind the 51-year-old winner.

Youths New Year Sprint winner Keiran Kivlin (7) from Edinburgh won the final of 90-metres handicap. The 12-year-old just held off the challenges from Lauders Grant Runciman (6) and Craig Gillan (11.5) to break the tape.

And the youths one-lap final also produced a tight finish with Greg Paxton (54) proving uncatchable. The 15-year-old, who is trained in Hawick by Billy Edgar, held on from Lasswades Ross Matheson (17) and James Parker (28) from Hawick.

The youths 1600 metres appeared to be a two-way dual by long-time leaders Jason McIntosh (360) from Kelso and Ryan Shiell (360) from Selkirk.
The 10-year-olds fought out a fast paced race at the front of a large field and even at the bell neither appeared to be slowing up.
But Hawicks Mark McEwan (130), who is coached by Davie Rae, came with a late burst to haul the youngsters back on the home straight. McIntosh finished second with Shiell a metre back in third.

SELKIRK BORDER GAMES REPORT 2008 (Official Results)

CZECH champion Michael Barvick struck gold at a sun-basked Selkirk on Saturday.
The 24-year-old pre-final favourite, running from 4 metres, was pushed all the way to the line by Hawick winner Glyn Davies (8.5).But following a brief photo-finish deliberation it was the Tom Bradley trained Eastern European who was announced as the winner. Barvick, who has been running in Scotland for three seasons, was delighted to have finally won a major sprint title. He told us: I really didnt expect to win today. I am very surprised by how well it all went and I am very happy. Barvick clocked 11.75 in the final of the NGT Co-op 110-metres. Gateshead veteran Neil Armstrong (10) finished half-a-metre behind Barvick and Davies back in third with Colin Bruce (12.5) of Selkirk in fourth.

The Tom Bradley school also lifted the Open 200 metres silverware with 20-year-old Lawrie McCombie. McCombie (18) sneaked through on the inside to beat Hawicks John Paxton (23) in the dying strides with Stirlings Wallace McGown (18) in third. The police student said: I had to work really hard to catch the front boys but managed to get a run on the inside
Steven Fox (16) of Seaton denied Selkirks Ben Purves (30) claiming glory on his home track in the Open 400 metres. Both Fox and Purves swept past long-time leader Gregor Nicholson (55) from Peebles on the top corner of the final and raced head-to-head down the home straight.

The final of the Jean Proudfoot open 800 metres also produced a tremendous finish with Hawicks Kenny Short (80) catching long-time leader Ally Laurie (130) from Selkirk on the final bend.
GB international veteran Tommy Cunningham (20) from North Shields came flying past Laurie on the home straight but narrowly failed to catch Short with backmarker Daryl Hastie (scr) stealing third place. Following his win, 42-year-old Short said: I always used to run the further distances but did pretty well over the half mile over in Australia and decided to give it a go this season. Its my first win of the season and Im delighted.

John Thomson (75) from Coaltown couldnt defend his NGT Co-op Golden Mile title last year due to health problems. But the 50-year-old made amends on Saturday with a gutsy run to take up the lead on the final lap and kick for home. Lasswades Ross Finlayson (50) came late to claim second with Keith Murray (200) from Hawick in third. Thomson was delighted after breaking the tape. He told us: I am over the moon. I love running at Selkirk and was disappointed when I couldnt run last year.

The Youths events also produced some outstanding performances as well as a few exciting finishes. Hawicks James Purves (10) claimed his third win of the season in the 90-metres. The 13-year-old Billy Edgar-trained athlete showed great composure to break the tape inches ahead of Grant Runciman (6) of Lauder and Kelsos Sean Hook. Purves said: My starts are improving and Im delighted to get another win.
With the youths 400 metres races being split into age groups there were three exciting races to savour for the huge crowd at Philiphaugh. Tara Mactaggart (70) from Hawick stormed into the lead of the 10-12 years race with 100 metres to go and kicked clear on the home straight. The exhausted 12-year-old, who is part of the Davie Rae School, was jubilant after his first win on the circuit. She said: I was trying to keep the same pace all the way round. I couldnt feel my legs at the end.
In the 13-14 years 400 metres Ryan Goodfellow (60) followed up his Hawick win with another outstanding performance with Jedburghs Greig Young (65) in second and Earlstons Dan Purves (50) back in third. Goodfellow, who is coached by Bruce Scott, said: I had a really good run. I just kicked for home at the top of the straight and hoped for the best.
In the 15-16 years race Greg Paxton (70) led all the way to break the tape ahead of Earlstons Callum Wilde (30) and the fast-finishing Iain Douglas (8) from Selkirk. The 15-year-old winner, who is trained by Billy Edgar, said: I was really fighting to keep going at the end.

The Dominic Forte youths 800 metres turned into the race of the day with six or seven young runners chasing the winning line. Selkirk Skye Shiell (140) took up the running just after the bell and opened up a 20-metres gap approaching the second last bend. But a pack of back markers chased the 12-year-old down and Ian Little (40) from Langholm appeared to be coming to win but a stumble on the home straight allowed Fraser Neil (60) of Kelso storm to the front with 20 metres to go.
A stride behind Neil was Earlstons Dan Purves (80) and the fast-finishing Mark McEwan (60) of Hawick.
Following his win, 14-year-old Neil, who is coached by Addie Gray, said: I kicked with about 200 metres to go and just got in front. My legs are really feeling it now.

HAWICK BORDER GAMES 2008 (Official Results)

Glyn Davies enjoyed his second victory in front of his home crowd on Sunday.
The 43-year-old, running from 9.5 metres, just managed to hold on to claim first in the prestigious Lowland Gas and MacLeod Glass Sprint, inches ahead of fellow veteran Neil Armstrong (10) from Gateshead.
Both athletes were locked together over the final strides but Davies, from the David Rae school, got the nod from judges following a lengthy photo finish debate.
Following the decision he said: “I felt Neil coming back at me and thought he was going to take it but I stayed strong and managed to get across the line just in front.

“It is always great to win in front of your home crowd.”

Edinburgh’s Gareth Gettinby (4.5), who had beaten Armstrong in his heat, was a metre back in third with Greg Turnbull (3.5 ) of Jedburgh and Tullibody’s Cammy Smith (5.5) dead-heating in fourth.
Hawick also enjoyed success in the Orgeon Timber Frame and Shorts of Hawick 3,200 metres. With £250 on offer to the winner there was a bumper entry of middle-distance runners.
Keith Murray (360) clung to the coat-tails of fellow Teri Derek Scott (320) during the early laps and kicked on approaching the bell. Despite strong finishes from eventual runner up Michael McGovern (235) from Innerleithen and scratch man Daryl Hastie of Kelso, Murray ran on strongly to claim gold.
The win was a welcome follow up to last week’s second at Earlston. He told us: “I’ve been doing a lot of fell running and knew I’d be strong enough. My problem is always trying to pace a race and I just stuck with Degsy (Scott) until I could push on.”
Darren Dougal (240) from Innerleithen claimed fourth, a few metres behind Hastie, with Scott in fifth.
Guy Learmonth (35) of Berwick produced a fantastic run to claim first in the Billy Hodgins Open 800 metres.
The 16-year-old, who is coached by Henry Gray, smoothly made his way through the field to strike the front with VETERAN around 250 metres to go. Kelso’s Colin Welsh (scr) powered his way into contention down the back straight but didn’t quite have enough to catch the talented teenager.
Lasswade’s Ross Finlayson (27.5) stayed on strongly to claim third.

Long-time leader Gregor Nicholson (55) from Peebles had maintained a 20 metre lead rounding the bottom corner of the Lyles Gardening 400 metres. But an eye-catching finish from Hawick’s Lee Marshall (14) pegged the veteran back just before the line with Ross Finlayson (16) dipping into second. The 19-year-old winner, who plays rugby for Hawick Quins, said: “I really struggled to get through at times – I just had to battle on and somehow managed to get the boy in front.”

Recent recruit Euan McCombie (12) from Edinburgh just got the better of Annan’s Josh Crawford (12) in the Stuart Patterson Builder’s 200 metres. The 24-year-old winner, who has just joined the police, held on to touch the tape inches in front of Crawford with Lawrie McCombie (18) back in third. And he was surprised to pick up his first win of the season. Euan, who is part of the Tom Bradley school, said: “I’m doing all my police training just now and haven’t been able to do as much running as I should be.”
Hawick’s James Parker (11) followed up his 200 metres win at Earlston with a Scottish Widows 90 metres victory on home soil.The 13-year-old, who is coached by Billy Edgar, broke the tape just ahead of Craig Gillan (8) of Jedburgh and Lauder’s Grant Runciman (6).
Earlston claimed first in the Dobbie and Michie youths’ 200 metres with  Ryan Goodfellow (36) holding on strongly to win. The 15-year-old, who is trained by Bruce Scott, said: “I knew there were one or two closing in on me but I held it together. I’m delighted as that is my first ever win.”
Craig Gillon (17) of Jedburgh was runner up with Innerleithen’s Sean Grant (33) claiming third place.

The 1514 Clun and DE Fencing youths’ 400 metres produced some great performances with eventual winner Nick Swanston (10) coming through the crowd to claim victory. Lee Goodfellow (20) from Earlston and Selkirk’s Iain Douglas (10) took the places in an exciting finish.

While New Year Sprint winner Craig Robertson from Galashiels is handicapped out of all the youths’ open events, the 16-year-old showed what he can do in the scratch 100 metres championship. The Charlie Russell trained flyer won by a couple of strides from Nick Swantson with Greig McPherson back in third. Robertson told us: “I felt comfortable although I was a bit slow out of the blocks. “There’s no way I can make up the ground in the handicaps and I’m going to see if I can run the rest of the season in the senior races.”

Hawick’s Mark McEwan (90) produced a fantastic final lap to catch long-time leader Skye Shiell (165) of Selkirk to win the Hawick Knitwear and Border Precision youths’ 800 metres. The Davie Rae coached 15-year-old was pleased to reach the line in the lead. He said: “My legs were going as we came into the straight but I managed to find a bit more to stay in front of the girl.”Langholm’s Ian Little (60) was 10 metres further back in third.

EARLSTON BORDER GAMES INCREASE IN ENTRIES FOR 2008

Earlston Programme is nearing completion with handicapper Ernie Blair stating there is a 10% increase in competitor numbers over 2007. Commenting on this news Charlie Cochrane BA Chairman says. “ This shows the faith the athletes have, in the Borders Athletics in providing an excellent and competitive circuit of Games over the summer season, that they can turn out in ever increasing numbers to support us. We can assure them they will not be disappointed and we at BA a looking forward to an exciting 2008 season ahead.”

Hawick Borders Games Update

All Senior 110mtr Sprint Heat Winners will get £10 We are glad to announce that Wilton Carpets of Hawick will sponsor this brothers Gary and Michael Finnan of Wilton Carpets have been kind to put their companys name to sponsor all the Heat Winners.

Charlie Cochrane is the new BA Chairperson for 2008

At the AGM held on the 2nd of April, Charlie Cochrane was unanimously elected as the new Chairperson for the Borders Athletics. Commenting Charlie stated “Ernie Blair, the previous Chairperson, successfully guided the inaugural year of the Borders Athletics to such a high standard, I am honored to take on the role and will hopefully improve on the high bar Ernie has set.”
A list of the new main committee can be seen on the Committee pages.

HAWICK MOVES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

After the success of 2007 the Hawick Borders Games gets even better for 2008 Secretary Davie Grieve comments to BA, “We have a new starting time this year of 1pm and we are not holding a 1600mtrs however we are holding a 3200mtrs. The 3200mtrs will be the richest one run on the Borders circuit this year with a first prize of £250 it is being sponsored by Oregon Timber Frame Ltd and Shorts of Hawick. “ Davie adds “Our total prize money this year will be £3000 which is up from last year but we have made entry cost cheaper for athletes.”

HANDICAPPER FOR 2008 SEASON ANNOUNCED.

Borders Athletics go into their second year in operation after seeing a 23 per cent increase in competing Athlete`s in their first year. A new Handicap system is in operation and Ernie Blair from Wooler has been appointed Handicapper for all 12 meetings including the Peebles Cross Country meeting on 4th May. Registration Forms & Entry Booklets are being updated and will be available in early April on www.bordersathletics.co.uk

Download the new Handicapping System in PDF format Page1 Page2.

NEW HANDICAPPING SYSTEM FOR 2008 (UPDATE)

After an excellent response and feedback to the promoted handicapping system to be used for the Borders Athletics in the 2008 season, processes are now in place to ensure all runners are aware of the system that is designed to make the Games fairer for them.

A copy of the handicapping system can be down loaded in Microsoft Word (HERE) or Microsoft Excel (HERE)

NEW HANDICAPPING SYSTEM FOR 2008

BORDERS ATHLETICS will be holding a meeting to discuss the Handicap System on 12 or 13th Jan.2008. Anyone interested in attending should complete the slip attached to the MS WORD or MS EXCEL document and return to Jim Fleming at 6 Inch Place, Kelso TD5 7EQ in order to allocate enough places and prepare an AGENDA. ONLY POINTS LISTED ON AGENDA WILL BE DISCUSSED.

ATHLETES PLEASE NOTE

The date of the 2008 Kelso Borders Games has been switched to the week of the 5th of July due to a family wedding of the Kelso Sports Secretary, Jim Fleming. As a result of this, the first Tweedbank Games will now take place on Saturday June the 28th.

This change if for 2008 only and normal schedules are presumed for 2009. Please contact the Borders Athletics for more information.

2008 Calendar for Borders Athletics Games

All Games will be for Adults ( 17 & over) and Youths ( 10 – 16). Entry forms and Registration form will be available from 1^st April , 2008 on www.bordersathletics.co.uk or from Ernie Blair on Tel No. 01668 283642.

All Athletes must be registered with Borders Athletics before competing.

Sunday 4^th May Peebles X Country. Adults 3 mile , Youths 1.5 mile timed handicaps. Entry details from Paul Spence Tel. No. 01721 724430.

Saturday 31^st May Earlston, The Haugh, Earlston. Commences 1.00 pm. Secretary  Bruce Scott , Mobile 07736 958732.

Sunday 8^th June Hawick , Volunteer Park , Hawick. Commences 1.30 pm. Secretary  David Grieve , Tel no. 01450 376565.

Saturday 14^th June Selkirk , Philiphaugh ,Selkirk. Commences 1.30 pm. Secretary  Alan Douglas, 34 Roberts Rd, Selkirk.

Saturday 21^st June  Peebles , Hay Lodge Park, Peebles.Commences 2.00 pm. Secretary Paul Spence , Tel no. 01721 724430.

(NEW DATE) Saturday 28^th June Tweedbank , Sports Centre. Commences 2.00 pm. Secretary Ernie Blair , Tel no. 01668 283642.

(NEW DATE) Sunday 6^th July  Kelso, Poynder Park, Kelso. Commences 2.00 pm. Secretary Jim Fleming , Tel no. 01573 224278.

Saturday 12^th July Jedburgh, Riverside Park Jedburgh. Commences 10.30am. Secretary Allan Ferguson Tel no. 01835 863677.

Saturday 19^th July  St Ronans , Victoria Park, Innerleithen. Commences 2.00 pm. Secretary Sarah Lindsay Tel no. 01896 831237.

Friday 25^th July  Langholm , Castleholm , Langholm. Commences 1.30 pm Secretary  Karl Nawrocki Tel no. 01387 380895.

Saturday 2^nd August  Tweedbank , Sports Centre. Commences 2.00 pm. Secretary  Ernie Blair   Tel no 01668 283642.

Saturday 9^th August  Morebattle ,Morebattle Tofts. Commences 1.30 pm. Details from Ernie Blair Tel no. 01668 283642.

THANK YOU from the BORDER GAMES COMMITTEE

What a magnificent first year. The 11 week season exceeded all our expectations. This was all down to your support as the athletes competing in the Border Games. Keep your eyes open for better things to come for the 2008 season. Once again many Thanks..........The Borders Athletics Committee

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