Five of Bolton Harriers' young athletes crossed the Pennines last weekend to compete in the Northern Under 17 Chapionships in Leeds. All five performed well and progressed to the finals of their events with the club's Young Athlete of the Year, Rebecca Makin, picking up a Bronze medal in the Under 17 women's Javelin.
A fraction of a second separated Tom Carson (4:22.94) and Fraser Jardine (4:23.17) in the U/17 1500m heats, as both quailfied for the final. Carson went on the improve slightly in the final for 6th in 4:22.84, while Jardine ran out of steam in his third race of the weekend, already having raced the 800m heats in 2:07.52.
Michael O'Donnell was again in action in the field, taking 5th in the Pole Vault and Hammer, and 7th in the Javelin with another throw of over 40 metres.
Oriel Hardman continued her good form this season, running close to her season's best in the 800m (2:19.43) to progress to the final, where she produced a solid effort of 2:22 for 6th. Sam Gough was in action over one lap, running close to a personal best (51.95) to make the final, where he finished a creditable 7th.
In the Mid Lancs League at windswept Wavertree Stadium in Liverpool times were slow due to the conditions. A number of Harriers had a run-out however, seniors limbering up for the second Northern League fixture this weekend in Stockport. Christian Eckersley proved that he has shaken off a troublesome achilles tendon injury, cruising to victory in the 400m after a tentative start before taking 2nd in the 200m. His sister Katie made it a family double with identical results in the women's events, once again dipping under 60 seconds in the 400m despite the blustery conditions. Most of the team's points on the day were contributed by Under 13 athetes, with Robert Sidlow picking up top-three finishes in the High and Long Jumps, and Callum Ashton doing the same in the 800m. In the girls events Rachel McMorran scored highly in the sprints and Long Jump.

By Andy Parker