Louth AC juniors shine in county track and field league opener

Beatrice Spendlove, Evie Odlin and Ellie Odlin in the under 15 girls' 100m. Photo: Graham Stephenson. EMN-161104-164054002

Last year’s opening match had to abandoned early because of stormy weather, but conditions this year were perfect at the Princess Royal Sports Arena.

Declan Templeton scored an early victory for Louth with a storming run in the under-11 boys’ 600m race, taking up the lead to finish in 2min 00.3secs, more than eight seconds ahead of the runner-up.

Arthur Topham also ran well in his first outing on the track to finish fourth in 2.24.3.

Freya Plaskitt and Bethany Ardern in the under 13 girls' 100m. Photo: Graham Stephenson. EMN-161104-164105002

Declan had two other podium finishes, coming third in the under 11 boys’ 80m and long jump.

In the under 13 girls’ events, Freya Plaskitt ran hard to win the 800m in 3min 01.3secs and Bethany Ardern was third in the 100m in 15.8secs.

There were several second place finishes in the under 15 girls’ events with Evie Odlin taking silver in the 100m (14.4) and 800m (2.38.8), Hannah Reid in the 3,000m (11 min 46secs) and Beatrice Spendlove in the high jump (1.05m).

Ellie Odlin also put in a good performance in the 800m to finish fourth in 2.55.4.

In the white vests with two red hoops of Louth AC are Declan Templeton (right) and Arthur Topham (left) in the under 11 boys' 80m race. Others pictured are Boston's Flynn Slater, Matthew Hawkridge and Owen James of Bourne Town Harriers. Photo: Graham Stephenson. EMN-161104-164043002

Natalie Stainton competed in five events in the under 20 women’s age group, winning the javelin with a throw of 23.25m and finishing second in the 100m hurdles (18.5) and high jump (1.30m).

Kerry Stainton, running in the veteran women’s age group, enjoyed wins in the 800m (2.49.7), 1,500m (5.41.6) and 3,000m (12.11.4).

There were third places for Matthew Spendlove in the under 13 boys’ 800m (3.07.8) and long jump (3.04m) plus wins for Lucas George Jones in the 1,500m (5.20.3) and 75m hurdles (16.6).

Caleb Stephenson, Toby Alexander and Jevon George Jones all enjoyed wins and podium place finishes in the under 15 boys’ age group.

Toby won the javelin with 22.98m, was second in the high jump (1.25m) and third in the 100m (14.0) while Jevon won the 3,000m in 10.52.4.

Caleb won the long jump with 4.58m, the 800m in 2.32.5 and was second in the 100m in 13.7.

Robert Johnstone won the under 17 men’s high jump (1.50m) and was third in the 200m (26.7).

* Full results at www.bostonanddistrictac.com.

The next league match takes place on Sunday, April 24 at Grantham.

* Louth AC has members of all abilities from the occasional jogger to the competing athlete.

New members and volunteers welcome, just go along to a training evening. Visit www.louth-ac.org.uk for more details or follow them on Facebook.