Scottish Highland Games Association

Competition as hot as the weather at Newburgh

Shane Fenton reports from Robbie's Park

Robbie's Park was bathed in warm sunshine for the annual Newburgh Highland Games. Action in the track and field events was just as hot with the spectators treated to some excellent competition and close finishes in the running and cycling events.

Both the Open and Youth 90 metres handicaps may have had only a couple of heats in each but both finals needed the photo finish to determine the results.

The Open 90 metres saw the four finalists flash over the line in unison with the verdict going to Tyler White[10m] Aberdeen AC who held off the the late thrust of David Allan[6m] Balloch with Colin Christie[20.5m]Livingston and Willie Bates[11m]Tullibody close up in 3rd and 4th.

The Youth's 90m final was equally competitive with Amy Williamson[17m] Perth Strathtay holding off backmarker Edouard Lecrivain[5m] Aberdeen AC, Lucy Nuttal[27]Fife AC was third with Gaspard Lecrivain[11m],Harris Wishart[23m]Pitreavie AC and Sean Bates[11.5m]Tullibody 4th,5th and 6th respectively.

The Open 200 metres handicap was won by David Allan[35m] from Willie Bates[42m] and Craig Bell[56m],Forfar with veteran Wattie Hunter[64m]Falkirk in 4th.

The 10 runner final of the Youth's 200 metres handicap produced a thrilling finish involving three members of the Lothian Running Club Steel family with the photo finish determining that Hannah[48m] had egded out her sister Erin[45m] with younger brother Andrew[58m] just pipped for 3rd place by Dylan Neville,Newburgh.

The Open 400 metres handicap saw Willie Bates win his first race of the season, running from the 33 metres mark he held off the challenge of David Allan[23m] with Craig Bell[47m] in third.

Nine runners went to their marks for the Open 800 metres handicap.In one of the best races of the day Mike Murdoch[140m]Falkland Trail Runners won his first ever race on the games circuit as he stayed on doggedly to repel the late challenge of Willie Bates and Tyler White.

Despite running from a reduced handicap following his previous weeks win at Strathmore Games, Fraser Logan[120m]Belgrave turned in another fine performance to win the 1600 metres handicap from Tyler White[125m], both had to battle hard to overhaul frontmarker Angela Bell[280m]Forfar who kept on for 3rd only surrendering the lead coming off the final bend.Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie[180m] finished 4th

At present there's no stopping the Lecrivain brothers from Aberdeen in the Youth middle distance races. Giving away massive starts in both the 800 metres and 1600 metres, Edouard[40m] and [80m] strode through the respective fields majestically to once again land the double.On both occasions his brother Gaspard [80m] and [170m]finished runner up with Sean Bates [80m and 180m] in third.Front markers Lucy Nuttall[240m] finished 4th in the 800m with Ruby McNair[430m] in 4th in the 1600m and Hayley Brown[320m]Glenrothes 5th.

There was local success in the cycling events with Newburgh rider Ryan Keir landing aan 800 m and 1600 metres handicap double.The 800m was in fact a local 1 – 2 with Davy Mathieson runner up and James Melville third, the latter chased Keir home in the 1600m. Melville eventually chalked up a win with victory in the 3200 metres handicap from Stewart Duff,Freuchie.

The main cycling event of the day was the SHGA Scottish 4800 metres Championship which was won by Gavin Shirley,Castle Douglas who also won the final event of the day the Deil tak the Hindmost.

Due to a clash with other events there was only two riders in the Youth cycle races. The SHGA 800 metres Championship was won by Kyle Cartmel,Forres from Lucy McLeod,Aberdeen, the latter then won the 800 metres handicap before Cartmel reversed the placings in the 1600 metres.

The biggest field of heavy event competitors at Newburgh for many a year put on a great show for the spectators.

Nine throwers contested the seven events with Sinclair Patience,Tain emerging as the overall winner on the day.

Published: 2017-06-17 21:16:19