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Langholm Border Games 2009

PAXO knocks stuffing out of Smith’s double bid. HAWICK’S Daniel Paxton blasted away any hopes Scottish champion Nick Smith had of completing a lucrative sprint double at Langholm on Friday. The 19-year-old produced the race of his life in the final of the Scottish Power open 90 metres to claim the £1000 purse. And the Billy Edgar trained runner also prevented Smith landing his second win of the day. Smith, who now runs for Shaftsbury, clocked a highly-impressive 9.23 seconds in the Edinburgh Woollen Mill 90-metres championship scratch race at the start of the afternoon. The 26-year-old broke the tape a clear four metres ahead of Jedburgh’s Iskan Barskanmay and Scottish Under 23 champion Craig Fleming to collect the £500 prize. Smith told us: “It’s always handy to get some cash in your pocket when you’re an athlete.  “I enjoy running on grass – I’ve competed a couple of times at Braemar Highland Games on grass – and this track at Langholm is a good one.” Smith, running from scratch, was well fancied to complete the double as he worked his way through the heats and cross-ties. But he came up against the in-form Paxton (8), who managed to keep the national champion at bay in a blistering final. The Teri winner said: “I don’t think I’ve ever run so well. I got the start I needed and kept on strongly when they were behind me.” Fleming (2.5) from Glasgow finished third in the final.

It was a day to remember for Selkirk’s Ben Purves. The 19-year-old, running from 24 metres, led all the way in the open 400 metres to beat Hawick pair Nick Swanston (20) and Lee Notman (15).  And the teenager followed up his first win of the season by bursting through late to take the final of the 200 metres. Purves (15) sat patiently until the last 50 metres where he managed to overhaul Wishaw’s Keith Redpath (30) and Sam Atkin (8) from Grantshouse. Purves said: “I was really pleased to get my first win in the 400 metres and just went for it in the 200 final. I just found enough strength to get up.”

There was further joy for the Purves household when younger brother Donald claimed a high jump double. The 16-year-od easily won the Boys event before leaping to success in the Borders Championship.

Selkirk also claimed the Pelosi’s Café open 1600 metres with Ally Laurie (280) proving uncatchable. The 46-year-old managed to kick with 200 metres remaining to hold off Hawick’s Derek Scott (175) and Stuart Somervail (145) from Jedburgh. Laurie said: “I knew Derek was closing in and I just went for it with everything I had at the bell.”

Hawick student Stewart Fraser (47.5) returned to form in the Bank of Scotland open 800 metres. The 19-year-old swept through the field to win from Kelso’s Wayne McIntosh (80) and Ross Cornett (112.5) of Hawick.  Fraser said: “I’ve not been training as much as I should have lately so it was even tougher than normal out there. It wasn’t until the last 100 metres that I thought I could win.”

Dan Purves (50) from Newtown St Boswells made a welcome return to the track in the James Maxwell Building Contractors youths 800 metres. The 14-year-old burst through the field to catch long-time leading sisters Amy (230) and Billie (235) Armstrong in the final 200 metres. Purves said: “I’ve been on holiday and missed about a month of the season but I’m glad to be back. I wasn’t sure I’d get the girls at the front.” Amy held on to finish second with Mark Wardhaugh (70) from Earlston finishing fast for third.

Hawick’s Bethan Douglas (21.5) claimed the youths’ 90-metres with a powerful run in the final to hold off Jedburgh’s Chloe Rollie (17) and Jack Wilson (19.5) from Hawick. Bethan, who is coached by Keith Brown, said: “I had the fastest heat but still didn’t think I’d win the final. I’m pleased I got it.”

Leaderfoot’s David Edwards (23) showed yet again how good he is over 200 metres. The 14-year-old held off strong challenges to break the tape ahead of Hawick pair James Parker (11) and Jack Wilson (41).

The James Maxwell Building Contractors youths 1600 metres was won by Durham’s Joe Armstrong (310) from Andrew Thompson (150) of Jedburgh and West Linton’s Jack Harrison (220).

Tweedbank (25th) Border Games 2009

Birthday boy Sean Ross celebrated turning 20 by winning his first sprint on the Borders Circuit. The Kevin Turner coached flyer from Edinburgh, who ran from 6.5 metres, was impressive in his heat. And it required a huge effort in the 100 metres final to hold off Sam Atkin (4.5) and catch long-time leader Linda Nicholson (21). Ross told us: "This is my third season on the circuit - the first two I didn't do very much - but I'm in much better shape this year and it's great to get a win."I felt my hamstring tighten after the heat but I stillmanaged to run well in the final."

Atkin, who is coached in Berwickshire by Henry Gray, made amends for his sprint defeat by winning the 200 metres. The 17-year-old Scottish rugby academy player, running from 10 metres, edged out Ben Purves (15) from Selkirk and Hawick's Ryan Trimby (16). Atkin said: "I've been in plenty finals this year so it's about time I won something. It was fast round the bend but I thought I'd got it with about 30 metres to go."

Another consistent performer finally broke his season's duck in the 800 metres. Reece Taylor (42.5) from Hawick has improved throughout the season and deserved to finally break the tape in a tough two-lap race. The 18-year-old took up the lead on the top corner and kicked clear from veteran Gerald Starrs (85) from Heriot and Lasswade's Ross Finlayson (52.5).Taylor said: "I always seem to finish second or third so I'm glad to finally win one. "It was really tough over the last 200 metres but I just went all out."

Selkirk janitor Ally Laurie (280) was looking for a hat-trick of miles as he took the bell around 40 metres clear But the 46-year-old was pegged back by the fast finishing Dean Whiteford (95) from Innerleithen. The 33-year-old mechanic burst down the home straight to take up the lead with around 50 metres to go. Whiteford said: "I wasn't sure if I'd get him but I just gave it everything I had. I'm sure Ally was speeding up when I was trying to catch him." Laurie finished second with Jordan Taylor (92.5) in third.

Eyemouth's Calum O'Rourke (9) followed up his win at Hawick earlier in the season with another youths' sprint title. The 13-year-old just edged out Ryan Elliot (10) from Hawick with Craig Gillan (3.5) a metre back in third. Elliot (29) found winning form over 200 metres just an hour later. The Billy Edgar trained runner powered through the final field to beat Selkirk's Jack Stanners (53) and Jack Wilson (42) from Hawick. The 12-year-old said: "I was a bit nervous at the start but once the final started I felt pretty good."

The youths' 800 metres produced the best finish of the day with Jedburgh's Andrew Thomson (95) snatching victory from Gala's Mark Berry (85) in the home straight with Craig Turton (75) from Edinburgh back in third. Thomson told us: "It was really hard coming back at the other boy as my legs felt like jelly but I managed to get back in front."

St Ronans Border Games 2009

EVERGREEN Davie Grieve turned back the clock on Saturday to win the 182^nd St Ronan’s Games Sprint. The 53-year-old had finished runner-up at the historic race on three previous occasions. And the Hawick flyer, running from 10.5 metres, was forced to sweat for five minutes before judges could separate him from runner-up Ross Weir (16.5), also from Hawick, in the photo finish.Grieve said: “You just never know if you’ve won when it’s as close as that. “I’ve been close a few times, finishing second, so I’m delighted to have finally won. “I was beaten in my cross-tie and I knew I had to start better in the final.” A metre further back from Weir was Selkirk’s Ben Purves (8.5) in third.

Hawick also claimed the 200 metres with Aidan Patterson (8) producing a late charge to hit the tape in front of Edinburgh’s Euan McCombie (8) with Callum Whillans (15) from Hawick and Earlston’s Lee Goodfellow (16) dead-heating for third.

Mark Young (85) made it a Teri treble by claiming the 800-metres. The 20-year-old hit the front on the back straight and despite a late charge from Reece Taylor (40) and Colin Welsh (scr) Young held on for victory. He said: “I heard them coming up behind me at the bell and knew I’d have to kick. I really went for it up the back straight and just hoped I wouldn’t be caught.”

Selkirk’s Ally Laurie (290) led from start to finish in the 1600 metres. The 46-year-old janitor held a comfortable 30 metre lead going into the home straight that the fast-finishing John Thomson (90) of Coaltown or Kelso’s Daryl Hastie (10) couldn’t close. Laurie told us: “I’m chuffed to bits to get another win. They don’t come along very often so I enjoy them.”

Innerleithen’s Darren Dougal sacrificed his regular St Ronan’s afternoon party to win the gruelling Lee Pen Hill Race. The 38-year-old won by just over 30 seconds from training partner Michael McGovern with Bruce Smith in third. But he did suffer for his win. Dougal said: “My feet are covered in blisters and hurt. “Thankfully you don’t feel them when you’re in the front of a race.” Alex Campbell from Peebles was the first lady home.

Peeblesshire dominated the youths’ 90 metres with Stuart Mullins (17) claiming his first ever win on the circuit. The 14-year-old from Peebles held on comfortably to win the final from Dolphinton’s Jordan Charters (11) and James Innes. Mullins said: “I thought I had a chance and I just went as fast as I could in the final. I’m happy to have won.”

David Edwards from Leaderfoot had to wait several minutes in the pouring rain to find out he’d won the youths 200 metres after crossing the line together with training partner Calum Hunter (28) from Stow and Kelso’s Euan Pettigrew (26).

Mark Berry (210) continued his impressive season by winning the youths 1600 metres. The 14-year-old sat on the shoulder of eventual runner-up Andrew Thomson (150) going into the home straight before kicking clear. Berry said: “When the other boy went passed me I tried to stay with him. I had a bit left at the end and managed to sprint.” Long-time leader Robbie Chalmers (290) from Melrose finished in third.

Jed’s Matthew Wilson won the youths’ Caerlee Hill Race from Selkirk’s Rowan Marr.  The 14-year-old said: “The other boy was pushing me all the way so I had to keep going as hard as I could.”

In the confined races Sean Grant won the New Zealand Cup over 200 metres and K Summers claimed the 800 metres America Cup.

Jedburgh Border Games 2009

Restaurant king Iskan Barskanmay celebrated the biggest win of his sprinting career by serving up fast food at his new takeaway in Jedburgh. The 30-year-old, who opened up the restaurant last week, lived up to his pre-race favourite tag by winning the final of the 156th Jed-Forest Sprint by a metre. Barskanmay (7.5) powered up the Riverside Park 110-metres track to claim the £2,250 first prize and silver medal. And going by the cheer that greeted the Chico Woods trained runner, it seemed most of the large crowd had taken the 4/6 on offer.
Barskanmay said: “I felt very comfortable in the final and thought I was going to win about half way up the track. “I’d like to celebrate but we’ve just opened the shop in Jedburgh and I’m a bit short staffed so I’ll be behind the counter for the rest of the night. This is the biggest win of my career and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me, Chico, Scott Elliot and Dougie Moffat, as well as my old coaches Davie Rae and Drew Bryson.” Selkirk teenager Ben Purves (12) finished a metre down in second with Dan Paxton (8.5) of Hawick claiming third.
West Linton’s Chris O’Hare showed why he is regarded as one of Scotland’s great hopes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games by blasting through the  field of the LS Starrett 800-metres final. The 19-year-old student, running from 15 metres, took up the lead from long-time leader Ross Corbett (110) on the back straight of the final lap. Hawick’s Reece Taylor (40) and Ross Finlayson (50) from Lasswade gave chase to finish second and third but the Dave Campbell kicked clear on the home straight. O’Hare told us: “I was really disappointed to finish second last year and I was determined to win. “The final was a lot harder than the heat and I had to go off really hard.”
The O’Hare family couldn’t quite muster a middle-distance double with older brother Ryan (25) just failing to catch Kelso’s Daryl Hastie (15) in the Royal Mile. Hastie took up the lead from Selkirk’s Ally Laurie (255) with 200 metres to go with O’Hare in pursuit. And it was the Addie Gray-trained runner who held on up the home straight for victory. Hastie said: That is the best I’ve ever run. “I didn’t know I’d won until about 20 metres from the line. I knew Ryan was chasing me and I just kept going with everything I had.”

Hastie’s training partner Colin Welsh (6) also claimed victory for Kelso in the Wallace McDonald 400 metres. The 26-year-old caught leader Gregor Nicholson (53) from Peebles in the final strides with Aiden Patterson (12) from Hawick a metre back in third. Welsh said: “I was confident of getting them on the home straight as I felt strong.”
Amy Clancy (27) produced her best running of the season to win the Laidlaw & Sons 200 metres. The 21-year-old held on strongly up the home straight to win by a couple of metres from Kelso’s David McKay (18) and Hawick jockey Callum Whillans (16). The former national age group champion from Cardrona said: “That is by far the best I’ve run this season and I’ll take a lot of confidence from this.”
Former European over-35 champion Will MacGee (scr) from London not only landed the Border Ready Mix Veterans 90-metres but he also caught the pro-circuit bug. The 39-year-old, who was tipped off about the handicapped games in Scotland by regular competitors Craig and Elaine Telford, can’t wait to come back. He said: “I know Elaine and Craig well and they kept telling me about the games. It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ll be back to try again. “When I tell the boys down south about this I’m sure they’ll all be wanting to come. It’s great fun with everyone being in with a chance and you can even have a bet on who you fancy. This is all totally new but I’m loving it.” Linda Nicholson (15) from Peebles finished second behind MacGee with Neil Armstrong (3) of Durham in third.

Berwickshire’s Sam Atkin made up for earlier disappointment of not qualifying for the final of the main 110-metres by winning the consolation invitation race. Jonathan Farrell of Clydebank finished second with Craig Fleming from Glasgow in third.

Langholm’s John Maxwell (6) held on to win The Tavern 70 metres sprint from Edinburgh’s Sean Ross (4.5) and Davie Rae (1.5) of Hawick.

In the M&M Memorial Youths 90 metres Hawick’s Ryan Elliot (12) followed up his win at Kelso with another great performance to break the tape. The 12-year-old, who is coached by Billy Edgar, crossed the line just inches in front of Dolphinton’s Ryan Charters (12) and James Parker (4) from Hawick. Elliot said: “I was nervous before the race but once I got going I felt good.”

Jedburgh’s Seb Harrison (14) finished strongly to claim the DE Fencing youths 200 metres from Jack Wilson (41) of Hawick and David Edwards (21) of the TLJT club. Harrison told us: “It was a really tough final but I managed to catch them.”

Ewan Pettigrew (55) from Kelso returned to winning ways in the Jedburgh Unionist youths 400 metres. The 13-year-old crossed the line five metres clear of Selkirk’s Andrew Nisbet (80) and Kyle Potts (13) from TLJT in the 10-13-year-olds race.

And Berwick’s Ciaran Turton (40) held on strongly to win the 14-16-year-olds race from Brian Henderson (35) of TLJT and Gordon McPherson (20) from Hawick.

Selkirk’s Rowan Marr (90) retained his Rory Stewart’s Plasterers youths 800 metres title from Kobe Stevens (135) of Peebles and Langholm’s Ian Little (30). Marr said: “I didn’t think I was going to catch the boys at the front but I gave it everything to reach the line.”

Robert Bough (230), grandson of TV’s Frank, produced a powerful finish to land the Lodge St John 1500 metres from Kobe Stevens (260) of Peebles and Durham’s Joe Armstrong (300). The 12-year-old from Edinburgh said: “It was really fast at the start and I didn’t think I would win.”
James Innes (8) from Peebles followed up his win at Tweedbank last weekend with victory in the confined to Scottish Borders youths 90-metres. The 14-year-old crossed the line ahead of David Edwards (6.5) of TLJT and Innerleithen’s Sean Grant (11). And the confined to Jedburgh sprint was won by Seb Harrison.

Tweedbank Border Games 2009

Teenager Guy Learmouth stole the show at Tweedbank's first Border Games of the summer. The 17-year-old from Berwick, who started from 5 metres, was billed as the underdog against Scottish Champion Craig Robertson (scr) - who was aiming to break the Scottish pro record. But it was the Henry Gray trained runner who burst down the home straight to claim victory in a time of 1.53.6 for the 800m Handicap. Learmouth said: "I had to go out strong as I knew Craig would be on my heels. I was tiring with 50 metres to go but I managed to keep it going." Hawick's Ross Corbett (115) acted as the hare for the chasing pack. Learmouth cruised into second place with around 200 metres to go with Robertson 10 metres down in fifth or sixth. As Learmouth took up the lead on the final bend former Borders schoolboy champion Jonathon Wolf (50) forced his way into contention. Learmouth held on for victory with Wold crossing the line two metres behind and long-time leader Corbett holding on for third in front of Robertson.

Learmouth's traing partner Sam Atkin (6.5) from Grantshouse couldn't quite make it a double as he narrowly failed to catch Peebles veteran Linda Nicholson (23.5) in the final of the 100 metres. The improving Craig Grieve (7) also found the gap to big to close - finishing a further half metre down in third.

Edinburgh's Sean Ross (23) produced a powerful run in the final to claim the 200 metres ahead of Annan's Josh Crawford and John Armstrong (21).

Stuart Somerville (155) finally broke his senior duck as he sprinted clear in the open 1600 metres. The 16-year-old took over from long-time leader Ally Laurie (290) of Selkirk on the final bend and produced a strong finish to keep backmarker Daryl Hastie (-5) at bay. Stuart said: "I thought Hastie would pick me off when I went through the bell but I just gave it everything I had."

Another athlete claiming his first victory was 14-year-old James Innes from Peebles. The Moorfoot runner burst down the track to win the youths' 100 metres by a clear couple of strides from TLJT pair Coran Darling (11) and David Edwards (7.5). James said: "I was really nervous before the final but I'm happy with how I ran."

Edwards soon made amends by winning the youths 200-metres final. The 14-year-old, running from 20 metres, finished well to break the tape ahead of Hawick's Jack Wilson (41) and John Glen (5) from Galashiels.

Gala's Mark Berry (100) knocked up a hat-trick of half mile wins with a convincing display in the two lap race.The 13-year-old stormed into the lead on the second last bend to pull away from training partner Robbie Chalmers (135) of the TLJT club and Peebles' Kobe Stevens (135). Mark, who also won 800 metres races at Earlston and Hawick, said: "I thought I'd gone off too quickly but I still had a bit left on the last lap. I'm really pleased to win again."

Kelso Border Games 2009

SELKIRK janitor Ally Laurie swept aside the opposition on Sunday to land the SKS Joinery 1600 metres at Kelso Border Games. The 46-year-old, running from a handicap of 290 metres, led all the way to hold on from strong-finishing Kelso pair Chris Black (154) and Wayne McIntosh to lift the Gymnastic Games Cup. Despite holding a 40-metre lead at the bell Laurie only won by a couple of strides. Laurie told us: “I just dug as deep as I could on the final lap and hoped they wouldn’t catch me.”

Jedburgh student Craig Grieve (7.5) became the youngest ever winner of the Kelso Border Games Sprint. The 16-year-old, who studies sports science at Borders College, broke the 100 metres tape ahead of Selkirk’s Ben Purves (11) and Ross Weir (17.5) of Hawick to win the £250 prize. The Chico Woods trained runner said: “I knew I was running well and after about 60 metres in the final I knew I had it.”

Wishaw veteran Keith Redpath (55) followed up his success at Peebles by winning the Maxwell Motors one-lap race. The 56-year-old led from the front over the 280-metre course to break the tape a stride ahead of Selkirk’s James Purves (54) and Billy Fraser (50) in the final. Redpath said: “I didn’t have much left in the final and just went out as hard as I could.”

Hawick claimed the first three places in the Rutherfords of Earlston 800-metres. Veteran Alec Corbett (95) took up the running approaching the bell and held a 20 metre lead coming into the home straight. Despite strong finishes from Reece Taylor (37.5) and Stewart Fraser (32.5) the 42-year-old held on to break the tape. Corbett told us: “I thought I’d gone off too quickly as my legs were dead with 200 metres still to go. I just kept going as hard as I could.”

Hawick prospect James Parker (4) returned to winning ways to claim the senior youths 100 metres ahead of Jedburgh’s Craig Gillan (3). The 14-year-old, who is coached by Davie Grieve, was one of the most prolific juniors on the circuit last season. After recovering from tonsillitis over the past couple of weeks he regained his form to win the 14-16-year-olds final by a couple of metres. Parker said: “I felt good when I came down today and thought I had a good chance to win from my handicap. It’s good to get back winning.”

The Grieve school also found success in the 10-13 year-olds final with first timer Ryan Elliot sprinting clear. The 12-year-old won impressively from Dolphinton’s Jordan Charters (12). Elliot said: “I was a bit nervous at the start but once I got running I felt fine. It’s great to win my first race.”

Hawick also claimed the senior youths one-lap race with Ewan Imray (24) defending his 14-16 years title from Earlston’s Ryan Goodfellow (29) and John Glen (12) from Galashiels.

And Kyle Potts (55) from the TLJT club claimed the junior youths race over one lap. The 13-year-old held on strongly from Edinburgh’s Robbie Shepherdson (52) and Ryan Laidlaw (62) from Peebles.

Jedburgh’s Matthew Wilson (75) claimed his first victory on the circuit in the Border Concrete youths 800 metres. The 14-year-old, who is coached by Chico Woods, ran on strongly on the final lap to beat Robbie Shepherdson (100) and Kobe Stevens (135) of Peebles. Wilson said: “Chico told me to kick at the bell and I did, after that it was just a case of keeping going. It’s my second season at the running and I’m really pleased to get a win.”

There was another first win in the Queen’s Head Youths 1600 metres with Robbie Chambers (300) of the TLJT club sprinting clear on the final lap.
The 11-year-old took the lead with over two laps to go and opened up a commanding lead that the fast finishing Joe Armstrong of Gateshead and Rowan Marr (180) of Selkirk couldn’t close.Chambers, who is coached by Bruce Scott, said: “I’ve been training quite hard for this and it’s great to finish first.”

Peebles Beltane Sports 2009

SCIENTIST Ian Smith finally found the formula to end a 15-year wait for his second win on the Border Games circuit. The 41-year-old from Longniddry last broke the tape of a major sprint back in 1994 at Oxton Games. But on Sunday, running from 12 metres, he held on strongly to cross the Beltane Sprint line a few inches in front of Hawick's Iskan Barskanmay (7.5) and Scott Atkin (7.5) from Grantshouse. Smith, who is coached by the prolific Charlie Afleck, said: "It's been a long time since I last won but the wait has been worthwhile."I've always been able to finish well but I've been working on my starting and it has paid off."

The Caledonian Colour Printers one-lap race was also won by a veteran with 57-year-old Keith Redpath holding on to impress his wife. The Wishaw-based athlete, running from 53 metres, broke the tape one metre in front of Selkirk 51-year-old James Purves (50) and up-and-coming star Scott Hughson (12) from Edinburgh. Keith admitted Mrs Redpath played a part in his win. He said: "I always run that little bit better when Tricia is watching. It's the first time she's been to see me this season and I'm pleased I've won it for her."

Scottish Masters 1500 metres champion John Thomson prepared for the forthcoming UK championships with a convincing win in the James Renwick 3200 metres. The 51-year-old from Coaltown, running from 135 metres, picked his way through a large field to kick for hom just over a lap out. John said: "It was a really tough race and I was pleased when one or two started to drop out. "I'm aiming for the British Masters then it will be onto the world championships later in the year." Hawick's Derek Scott (320) held on gamely to collect second place while Daryl Hastie (scr) finished strongly for third.

Kelso's Colin Welsh made amends for not reaching the final of the Scottish Championships in Pitreavie the previous day by blasting through the 800-metres field. The 26-year-old, running from -2.5 metres, was around 20-metres behind leader Dean Whiteford (55) at the bell but just managed to reel him back in the final strides. Colin, who is coached by Addie Gray, told us: "I was really sore before the race after yesterday's heats and semi-final but I just went for it." Long-time leader Ros Corbett (105) from Hawick finished third.

Kelso also claimed the 1600 metres Kingsmeadows Trophy with Chris Black returning to form. The 21-year-old, running from 85 metres, kicked on the final bend to beat Alec Corbett (175) from Hawick and Kelso's Daryl Hastie (-7.5). Chris, who is trained by his dad, Colin, and Keith Lyall, said: "I thought I had a chance going into this and all the hard training paid off."

Jedburgh's Greg Turnbull showed why he is one of the most exciting prospects on the track at the moment by winning the scratch 110-metres championship race in 12.02 seconds. The 21-year-old broke the tape ahead of Tullibody's Cameron Smith with Scott Hughson from Edinburgh in third.

Local hopes were riding on the shoulders of 13-year-old Jordan Charters in the youths sprint. But the Dolphinton runner yet again found just one too good. Nicholas Coupland (12) just broke the 90-metres tape an inch in front of Charters (12.5) with Corey Wilson (15) from Hawick in third. Coupland, who is coached by Gordon Bury in East Kilbride, said: "It's my first time running in the Borders and I hope to be back again soon."

Jedburgh's Brodie Irvine followed in the footsteps of his grandfather John Steede by entering the winner's enclosure. The 13-year-old, who is coached by his granddad, just held on from the fast finishing Euan Pettigrew (37) in the final of the Drew Fraser youths one lap race. Jack Wilson (53) from Hawick was a metre further back in third.

Selkirk's Rowan Marr (190) finally broke his seasonal duck in the youths 1600 metres after finishing in the places at every other local meeting this season. The 13-year-old made steady headway through the field but still had to fend off a late challenge from Kobe Stevens (280) of Peebles and Durham's Joe Armstrong (320) with Sophie Collins (320) finishing fourth. Rowan said: "I knew they were coming back at me again but I just kept going."

Selkirk Border Games 2009

Former winger John Armstrong’s gamble finally paid off on Saturday as he broke the tape in the Selkirk Common Riding Games Sprint. The 26-year-old turned his back on rugby over two years ago after suffering a crushed hip joint during a match. And following recovery he decided to concentrate fully on athletics. Despite being a regular finalist - and hotly tipped to win the coveted New Year Sprint - he had to wait until June 13, 2009 to finally land a big win.
As well as collecting £1,000 for the Co-op NGT Open Sprint Armstrong picked up the John Ballantyne Memorial trophy. John (8.5), who was one of four finalists from the Charlie Affleck Edinburgh-based school, held on by half-a-metre from training partner Greg Turnbull (3.5) and the improving Sam Atkin (7.5) from Grantshouse. He said: “I was really disappointed with how I ran at New Year but this more than makes up for it. I really have to thank everyone that I train with - they’ve helped me along so much.” As well as Armstrong and Turnbull, veteran Tom Bradley (22) and internationalist Steven Charters (2.5) also represented the Affleck school in the final.
Coach Charlie was pleased with his runners. He told us: “I am delighted with how all of them run today. It’s a great result for John as he has waited so long for this.”

There was home joy in the youths 90-metres when Allan Smith (7) came through late to beat Dolphinton’s Jordan Charters (12.5) and Northumberland schools champion Calum O’Rourke (9). The 15-year-old from the Selkirk Track club was delighted with his win. He said: “I’ve been working on my starts all week and I think that made a difference. It’s a great feeling to win in front everyone you know.”
A crowd of around 3,000 enjoyed a packed programme of exciting finishes.

Pensioner Peter Rowell (54) just held on by inches to win the 200-metres from fellow veteran Keith Redpath (40) from Wishaw and former Scottish age-group champion Amy Clancy (36) of Cardrona. The 66-year-old from Alnwick said: “I’ve been running for over 50 years and it’s still a joy to win a race. I don’t win many these days.”

Chemistry student Kenneth Ward (14) came up with the formula to prevent Selkirk success in the 400 metres. The 20-year-old from Chirnside held on by a metre from the fast-finishing home duo of Iain Douglas (14) and Ben Purves (26). Ward said: “My legs were dead coming up the straight but I just managed to keep going.”

Earlston’s Mhairi Henderson (75) followed on from her Hawick win the previous week by landing the 10-12 years 400 metres. The 12-year-old member of TLJT broke the tape a couple of metres ahead of Ryan Laidlaw (80) from Peebles and Kelso’s Gordon Armstrong (80).

Euan Pettigrew (75) brought success to the Kelso-based Keith Lyall school with an impressive run in the 13-14 years 400 metres to beat Edinburgh’s Robbie Shepherdson (75) and Bethany Douglas (80) from Hawick.

And in the 15-16 years 400 metres Dan Purves (30) from Newtown St Boswells produced a strong run to hold on from the fast finishing Seb Harrison (10) from Jedburgh and Hawick’s Gordon McPherson (17).

Purves (20) completed a remarkable double by also winning the youths 800-metres from Kobe Stevens (140) of Peebles and Selkirk’s Rowan Marr (87.5). The 14-year-old said: “I arrived late and hadn’t warmed up properly for the 800 metres so I’m really pleased to have run so well. In the 400 metres I looked round and saw a lot of really good sprinters - I just went for it and thankfully nobody caught me.”

The exciting finishes continued in the open distance races with Daryl Hastie (scr) bursting through the field of the Co-op NGT Golden Mile to sprint away from Hawick’s Alec Corbett (175) and Coaltown’s John Thompson (85) on the home straight. The 26-year-old from Kelso admitted he had his doubts half-way through the race. He said: “When I went through with two laps to go I didn’t think I was going to catch the front guys. I just kept my head down and pushed on. I kept believing I could get them and I just managed.”

There was further joy for the Addie Gray camp when Colin Welsh (2.5) stormed through the 800-metres field to edge out Hawick pair Rory Anderson (65) and Ross Corbett (105). The 26-year-old is hoping his improving form will take him close at this week’s Scottish Championships. He said: “I am starting to go well and feel really good when I’m running.”

Iskan Barskanmay (4.5) won the 90-metres confined for Hawick with a late burst to edge out Sam Atkin (4) and Jedburgh’s Darren Scott (8). Despite the close finish the takeaway boss was confident he’d struck the line. He said: “It was close but I felt like I would get it as I was coming up the track.”

Hawick Border Games 2009

ABERDEEN’S Jonathan McKenna ran himself into the record books on Sunday at Hawick Border Games. The 20-year-old, running from 10.5 metres, defied the odds to land the Lowland Gas 110-metres open handicap - only eight days after winning the Earlston sprint on the opening day of the season. McKenna had failed to impress in his heat and cross tie - only just scraping through to the final. But yet again he showed great composure and strength to break the tape by a metre from his training partner John Armstrong (8.5) with Hawick’s Oz Barskanmay (4) in third. McKenna, who is coached by Charlie Afleck and Tom Bradley, said: “I believe I’m the first to win the opening two sprints which makes it all even more special.
“I really wanted this so much and I think that showed in the final - I ran as well as I have ever done in the final.” Scottish international 400-metres specialist Scott Hughson (5.5) finished fourth with Greg Turnbull (3.5) from Jedburgh in fifth and Hawick’s David Hush (18.5) in sixth.

The most lucrative distance race on the circuit was won in convincing style by Innerleithen’s Dean Whiteford. The mechanic, running from 340 metres, gradually picked off the front markers in the Shorts of Hawick 3200 metres to kick for home on the final lap to win the £250 first prize. The fast-finishing Daryl Hastie (120) from Kelso was 30 metres back in second with Keith Murray (440) of Hawick in third. Whiteford said: “I knew Daryl was coming through the field and I had to kick to make sure he didn’t catch me.”

Another great kick for home saw Guy Learmonth (10) claim the 800-metres Billy Hodgins Memorial Trophy. The 17-year-old from Dunbar, who is trained by Henry Gray, heads for the Gothenburg Games in a fortnight and believes he is in the form of his life. He said: “I knew I would have to dig deep to get this and I felt really good when I went for it.” Lasswade’s Dean Philip (35) was five metres down in second with Hawick’s Alec Corbett (95) staying on strongly to claim third.

The Nicholson household in Peebles claimed both the 200 metres and 400 metres. Sports management consultant Gregor (55) stormed round the Volunteer Park track to hold a 10-metres lead going into the 400-metres home straight. And despite strong finishes from second-placed Ben Purvis (26) and Chirnside’s Kenneth Ward (14) he managed to win the Lyles Gardening Services trophy. Nicholson said: “I went really close in this last year and was desperate to win this time.”

Only an hour later it was the turn of Mrs Nicholson in the Stuart Patterson Design 200 metres. Linda (49) took up the lead halfway down the home straight to beat Wishaw’s Keith Redpath (40) and Matt McMahon (65) of Penton. Mrs Nicholson told us: “It’s fantastic to win and makes all of the training worthwhile.”

Eyemouth newcomer Calum O’Rourke (9) claimed gold at his first attempt in the DE Fencing & Doug Moffat Builder youths 90 metres. The 13-year-old, who is trained by Henry Gray, broke the tape a metre ahead of Dolphinton’s Jordan Charters (12.5) and Allan Smith (7) of Selkirk. O’Rourke said: “This is my first season at running and I surprised myself a bit.”

Smith (15), from the Selkirk Track school, made amends in the 200-metres. The 15-year-old came late to steal victory from Galashiels’ Johnny Berry (33) with Ryan Laidlaw (42) from Peebles back in third. Smith said: “It was really close on the line and I didn’t think I’d got up to win.”

Mark Berry (95) began life as a sprinter - and he must now be pleased he’s stepped up to middle distance.
The 14-year-old from Galashiels, who is trained by Bruce Scott, blasted through the youths 800 metres field to land his second successive success following his win at Earlston last week. Berry told us: “I’m sticking with 800 metres now. I thought I’d maybe gone off too fast but I managed to hold on. ”The fast-finishing Dan Purvis (30) from Newtown claimed second with Sophie Collins (13) of Peebles staying on well for third.

Earlston’s Mhari Henderson (80) won the sprint for the line in the youths 400 metres. The 12-year-old was given the nod from Jedburgh’s Kyle Potts (80) following a photo finish with Edinburgh’s Robbie Shepherdson (70) in third.

Scottish Under 15s champion Kieran Kivlin showed his class to win the youths 100 metres championship. The 13-year-old from Edinburgh won the scratch race by a metre from Galashiels’ John Glen with Craig Gillan in third.

BELTANE SPORTS SPECTATORS GET THEIR OWN EVENT
As well as the Beltane Sports moving to Sunday the 21^st and to the new venue of Whitestone Park, organisers are providing the opportunity for spectators to star on the track with the innovative idea of a Spectators’ Community Relay between Peebles North, Peebles South and the Rest of Tweeddale. Joint Sports Secretary Gregor Nicholson said “I think we can learn from some of the other Games and we’ve set out to try and make the Beltane Sports a more spectator-friendly event. Whitestone Park allows us to concentrate the activities, the mini football and hockey, the highland dancing and the running events, all in the one area. We’ll have various children’s rides, a choice of catering and ice-cream, and a beer tent selling draught beer. Regarding the spectators’ relay I’ve seen the success of fun community events being incorporated into the programme at the likes of Blairgowrie and St Andrews Games and thought we should do something similar. The idea is that each team will comprise a primary school boy and girl (P6 or P7), a mum and a dad to make up a “family” team of 4 from each of the three areas. We’ll hold trial races during the course of the afternoon with the selected teams being “bibbed-up” for a County Sports style shuttle relay on the main track towards the end of the programme. So the message to all spectators, boys, girls, mums and dads is “come prepared to do your area proud”. I’m sure the boys and girls of Peebles and Tweeddale can come up with some novel means of persuading their mums and dads to take part!”

Changes at Peebles Beltane Sports
As well as moving the Beltane Sports to the Sunday and to the new venue of Whitestone Park (The Gytes Leisure Centre), Peebles organisers have made some amendments to the traditional order of events at Peebles which is now as follows:

1. British Championship 110m Sprint Heats
2. Youths 90m Handicap   Heats
3. British Championship 110m Sprint FINAL
(run as Event 1 if no heats)
4. 1600m Handicap  FINAL
5. 110m Beltane Handicap Heats
6. Youths 90m Handicap   Cross-ties
7. 800m Handicap   Heats
(If heats are not required, Final remains Event 12)
8. 110m Beltane Handicap Cross-ties
9. Youths One-Lap Handicap Heats
10. One-Lap Handicap   Heats
11. Youths 1600m   FINAL
12. 800m Handicap  FINAL
13. 3200m Handicap   FINAL
14. Youths One-Lap Handicap  FINAL
15. One-Lap Handicap   FINAL
16. Spectators’ Community Relay FINAL
(Peebles North v. Peebles South v. Rest of Tweeddale)
17. Youths 90m Sprint  FINAL
18. 110m Beltane Handicap  FINAL

The Sports will get underway at 2.00pm. Car park opens 12 noon.
(NOTE - No parking on Innerleithen Road or Walkershaugh.)

Earlston Borders Games 2009

VICAR’S son Jonathan McKenna won the first sprint of the season at Earlston Border Games on Saturday. The 20-year-old student from Aberdeen, who is the son of former Innerleithen minister Eddie McKenna, broke the tape for the first time as a senior. And admitted years of hard work with his old man, who is a coach with the GB paralympic team, finally paid off. Jonathan says: “I worked on my technique for years with my dad and it did me the world of good. I did pretty well as a youth but this is my first win as a senior athlete. My dad was a good runner himself but he never won a sprint - he’ll be pleased for me.”
McKenna, running from a handicap of 7.5 metres, was the fastest up in the Rhymer Construction 90-metres Handicap. And the Charlie Afleck trained sprinter carried his form on in the final overhauling 18-year-old Marc Cockburn (11.5) from Selkirk and Darren Scott (8) of Jedburgh in the final 20 metres to win by a stride.

The youths’ Border Ready Mix 90-metres winner was every bit as impressive. Seb Harrison (6) from Jedburgh cruised through his heat and cross-tie before showing the final field a clean pair of heels to win by two metres. The 15-year-old Chico Woods-trained runner admitted he was as surprised as anyone with his form. He said: “I’ve been training for 400 metres and wasn’t confident at all going into the sprint.”
Jordan Charters (12.5) from Dolphinton held on for second from the fast finishing Scottish Under 15 champion Kieran Kivlin (1) of Edinburgh.

Selkirk’s David Knox (37) shaded Linda Nicholson (49) from Peebles in the final of the Utterson & White 200-metres to stop Jedburgh’s Greg Turnbull (7), who finished in third, completing a hat-trick of wins in the race.

The youths’ W J Henderson 200-metres final was every bit as close with Hawick’s Dylan Ali (19) beating fellow Teri Jack Wilson (40) and Ryan Laidlaw (42) from Peebles.

The senior middle-distance races were both won by the ever-impressive Addie Gray school from Kelso. Former Scottish indoor champion Colin Welsh, running from -10, blasted through the 13-strong field to break the Scottish Tourist Publications 800 metres tape in a time of 2 minutes 1.13 seconds. A delighted Welsh admitted it was tough on Earlston’s unconventional clockwise track. The 26-year-old said: “I want to thank Addie for all his hard work getting me back in shape after all the injuries and problems I’ve had.I’m pleased with the time - especially running the wrong way.”
Long-time leader Keith Turner (70) from Hawick finished second with the fast-finishing Ross Finlayson from Lasswade collecting third.

Only an hour later Welsh’s training partner Wayne McIntosh stormed through the Earlston Property Development 1600 metres field to outsprint Paul Mulhern (215) from Longniddry in the home straight. The 34-year-old, who has just returned to the track after lengthy back injuries, said: “It’s great just to be back after all the injuries. I thought I was going to catch the boy in front easily enough but he kicked again at the corner and it was hard work.”
Scratch man Daryl Hastie from Kelso picked up third with a late surge.

Mark Berry (105) from Galashiels enjoyed his first attempt at distance running with victory in the youths’ 800 metres. The 14-year-old, who is coached by Bruce Scott, just pegged back Jedburgh’s Kyle Potts a few metres before the line. Berry said: “It’s my first try at 800 metres and I didn’t think I was going to catch the boy in front but I just managed it.”
Kobe Stevens (150) from Peebles kept on strongly to finish third in the half mile.
But the 11-year-old, who is coached by Gregor Nicholson, was soon striking gold in the J&J Developments youths’ 1600 metres. The Kingsland Primary pupil moved thirty metres clear of the 18-strong field at the bell and not even the strong finish from Selkirk’s Rowan Marr (200) could pull him back. Steven said: “It was only when I was about halfway through the race I started to think I could win.” Fellow Moorfoot runners Ruairidh Britton (300) and Sophie Collins (320) finished third and fourth.

Hawick’s David Grieve (3) turned back the years to win the Douglas Scott Plumbing and Fraser Lothian Joinery Veterans 90-metres. The 51-year-old crossed the line from Jedburgh’s Tommy Finkle (scr).

Emerging sprinter Robbie Shirra-Gibb made sure of some home Earlston success by coming from the back to win the Electra Com confined 90-metres. The 16-year-old just caught Aidan Walker (17) inches from the line with Lee Goodfellow (2) back in third.

Langholm Common Riding

Langholm Common Riding are celebrating their 250th Anniversary this year. The 90m Open Handicap sprint first prize has been increased to £1000. The 90 Metres Sprint Championship is again being Sponsored by Edinburgh Woollen Mills with a first prize of £500.

100m WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

Paul Donaghy and Jared Deacon are doing an official World Record attempt in the 100m at Gateshead Stadium 10.30am on Sunday 5 July 2009. Come along and watch. Bring the kids - there are events for them to do from 9.30am as well.
Only difference about this attempt and Usain Bolt is it is being done with a two person Pantomime Horse!

The guys are looking for sponsorship to raise money for St Oswald's Hospice and would really appreciate your support to break the current record of 13.51 seconds.

It's easy to sponsor online by credit or debit card - just go to our Justgiving page:

http://www.justgiving.com/whythelongface

Justgiving sends your donation straight to St Oswald's Hospice and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you're a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more. I hope you'll join us in supporting St Oswald's Hospice.

Paul Donaghy and Jared Deacon would like to thank you for your support in their attempt

HAWICK PRIZE MONEY UPDATE

HAWICK BORDER GAMES, SUNDAY 7^TH JUNE AT 1PM, VOLUNTEER PARK, HAWICK

110MTR SPRINT      £750   £125  £60 £25  £15 £15  ENTRY £3.50
200MTRS    £120 £60    £30  £20 £10  £10 ENTRY £2.50
400MTRS                £100   £35   £20  £10  £10 £10  ENTRY £2.50
800MTRS    £150   £60     £30 £10  £10 £10  ENTRY £2.50
3200MTRS £250   £100  £50  £25 £10  £10 ENTRY £3.00
Sponsored by Shorts of Hawick & Neil Anderson

YOUTHS
90MTR SPRINT £75   £35    £20  £10 £10  £10 ENTRY £2.00
200MTRS            £75    £35     £20   £10 £10  £10 ENTRY £2.00
400MTRS                £75    £35     £20   £10 £10  £10 ENTRY £2.00
800MTRS                £75    £35     £20   £10 £10  £10 ENTRY £2.00
100MTRS                £50    £25     £15   £10 £10  £10 ENTRY £2.00 CHAMPIONSHIP

YOUTHS 3 OR MORE EVENTS £5.00 ENTRY
CHAMPIONSHIP NOT INCLUDED

ENTRIES CLOSE WITH HANDICAPPER DON CAMPBELL, TEL 01592 781467, SATURDAY 30^th MAY

BORDERS ATHLETICS HANDICAPPER 2009

After a recent review of applications for the position of Borders Athletics Handicapper 2009, Donnie Campbell was offered and accepted the position for the 2009 season. Donnie will be assisted by 2008 handicapper and BA treasurer Ernie Blair. On taking up the position Donnie commented “ The BA is making a great impact on athletics in the Borders. I am very pleased to be part of this and help support the athletes in the best way I can” Commenting on the appointment BA Chairman Charlie Cochrane states “ It was always going to be difficult to keep the high standard and fairness of handicapping the athletes that Ernie had set. By appointing Donnie we are positive this is going to happen and are happy to have him on board”

JAMES McLEAN TRUST AWARDS

Borders Athletics athlete and winner of the 2007 Peebles and Tweedbank Youths 90m Handicap, Demi Yorke was the proud winner of the Borders Telegraph/Peeblesshire News  award at the recent James McLean Trust Awards.

Demi has made great progress since starting on the athletics circuit only two years ago and is seen as a natural talent at Gala Harriers. So talented is Demi she managed to win Silver in here first ‘Scottish’ long jump competition. She has also gone on to win the East indoor 60 metres in the best ranked time in Scotland and fifth in the UK. Her improvement and talent continued when she then went on to win 3 golds in one day in the Scottish 100, 200 and the long jump

Other successful BA athletes were Fay Nicholson who along with Demi won a James McLean Scholarship. Faye has represented Scotland in two internationals and at the age of 14 was the youngest member of the Scottish Schools under 17 side. Faye is also a talented national netball player.

Recently returned from the Commonwealth Yough Games Chris O’Hare won the award for best Performance. Chris is the Scottish under 17s cross-country, 800m and 1500m (indoor and outdoor) champion.

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