By Matthew Kiernan

Croydon Harriers’ young athletes completed their UK Youth Development League campaign in the best possible fashion with a victory at Sutton Arena on Saturday.

In the U13s and U15s Premier Two clash, Croydon edged home by four and a half points from nearest challengers Southampton.

It was Croydon’s first league victory this season, after two third places and a fourth this campaign, but was not enough to secure promotion to the top tier.

Among the winners were Marcia Sey in U13s girl’s 70m hurdles (12.3 seconds) and 150m (20.7secs), while Rhianna Gayle (150m, 21.4secs) and Kayla Bowley (70m hurdles, 12.8secs) also won.

There were more successes in the sprints thanks to debutant Amanfi Aggrey (U13 boys 100m, 12.9secs), Emmanuel Lloyd (U13 boys 200m, 26.4secs) and Chanice Gordon (U15 girls 200m, 27.1secs).

Aggrey also enjoyed success on the field in the high jump clearing 1.41m.

In the throws, two event maximums came in the shot putt with Nathaniel Marshall (9.22m) and Reuban Vaughn (7.35m) winning the U13 boys category, while Renae Jenoure-Jackson (8.33m) and Ines Zepa D’Aboui (8.04m) topped the standings in the girl’s equivalent.

In the middle-distance events, Harry Mullane (U13 boys 800m, 2:26.3) and Kieron Connor (U15 boys 800m, 2:09.3) picking up wins over the two-lap event.
 

Elsewhere, at the World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Shirin Irving reached the semi-finals of the 100m hurdles while representing team GB.

The 16-year-old finished fifth in her semi-final in Donetsk in a new lifetime best of 13.71secs which ranks her fourth on the all-time list UK list over the distance.

The previous day she had come through her heat as a fastest loser in 14.17secs.

While James Dasaolu lit up Birmingham at the UK Trials, Croydon’s other competitor at the trials, Nana Owusu-Nyantekyi finished eighth in the triple jump.

The Princeton University student leapt to 15.18m in the 12-man field.

Lisa Harris won the women's race at the Elmore Seven, and with it took a big step towards winning the Surrey Road League which she is currently leading.

The Croydon 10K winner, clocked 45:51 on a scorching day in Chipstead and was over three minutes clear of her nearest challenger.

Neil Aikman was the club's first man home and was just 11 seconds ahead of Lisa in 21st position. He was 8th M40.

David Brown continued his triathlon preparations with a 48:21 clocking to finish 37th.

Norman Hemming (58:02) and Keith Brown (58:04) completed the Croydon contingent in 112th and 113th respectively. There were 272 finishers.

In parkrun action, Brendan Murphy notched his eighth win at Riddlesdown in 16 minutes and ten seconds.