St Jago, Edwin Allen take control at Central Champs

EDWIN Allen's Shannon Kallawan and St Jago's Timor Barrett stole the show on yesterday's opening day of the Digicel-sponsored Central Championships at GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sports, as both recorded lifetime bests in winning the Open 400m hurdles event.

After producing two sub-60-second clockings in her two races so far this season, Kallawan was in devastating form in the second section of the girls' Open 400m hurdles final.

In a very competitive race, which included four athletes who have gone sub 60 seconds so far this season, Kallawan, despite pressure most of the way from Vere's 15-year-old Sanique Walker found extra gear over the final hurdle to record an impressive 57.20-second win. It was also a career best for Walker, as she clocked 58.93 for second, with Shian Salmon (Hydel), who won Section One, third overall in 1:01.30.

Barrett clocked his second sub-53-second time this season as he made a late surge in the final 100m to get by early leader Ryan Holmes (Edwin Allen) to clock 52.26 seconds. Holmes ran a personal best of 52.70 seconds for the runner-up spot, with third going to Manchester High's Nicholas Alexander, who won heat two in 55.19 seconds.

"I am very pleased with my time today as I was following the instructions of my coach to execute well," said Barrett, who stated that he is looking forward to the remainder of the season.

GOODRESULTS

There were also some good results in the field with Vere's Class Three athlete Brittany Anderson leading the way in the long jump.

Despite competing in a strong headwind, she produced 5.75m to win the event ahead of the Edwin Allen duo of Lotiva Brown, 5.59m, and Danae Bailey, 5.39m.

It was one-two for Hydel in the girls' triple jump open as Britney Kerr won with 12.25m ahead of teammate Samara Spencer (12.08m), with third going to Cathilee Mullings (Holmwood), 11.92m.

St Jago's Romario Douglas captured the Class One high jump with 2.05m ahead of Old Harbour's Ryan Brown, with 1.95m, with third going to Tony Haughton, also of St Jago, with 1.85m.

At press time last night, defending girls' champion Edwin Allen were in front with 101 points, followed by Hydel (57), Vere Technical (45), Holmwood (35.5) and St Jago (26).

On the male side, former champions St Jago (90 points) had a commanding lead. Edwin Allen (33), Clarendon College (25), Old Harbour (14) and Glenmuir (14) completed the top five.

The championships will come to an end today.