Aoife Grant throws for Silver
Newcastle & District AC enjoyed another memorable evening at the fifth meeting of the Lagan Valley Super 6 series, with athletes producing a host of outstanding performances, including podium finishes, personal bests and impressive displays across both track and field events.
Leading the celebrations were Siobhan and Aoife Grant, who both secured podium places in the javelin after producing a series of excellent throws. Continuing to expand her multi-event repertoire, Aoife claimed an excellent second place in the Under-16 Javelin as she lined up alongside her mother, Siobhan, in what became a friendly battle for family bragging rights.
Having opted not to contest the javelin at next month’s Masters Championships in order to concentrate on the hammer and race walk, Siobhan nevertheless demonstrated the quality that earned her National Masters V40 bronze medal honours last season. Producing a series of powerful throws, she claimed gold in convincing fashion.
On the track, Matthew Sutton continued his impressive transition into the senior ranks with a superb performance in the 3,000 metres. Running with maturity beyond his years, Matthew covered the opening 2,000 metres in a controlled yet competitive manner, sitting comfortably among the leading group and matching experienced senior athletes stride for stride.
With one lap remaining, Matthew produced a devastating finishing kick, accelerating clear over the final 400 metres to secure an excellent fourth-place finish in a high-quality field. His outstanding time of 9:01 underlined both his strength and speed, confirming his growing reputation as one of the club’s brightest distance prospects and a confidence boost heading into Carlingford 5k.
Donal McDaid showed tremendous determination in the Under-16 3,000 metres, producing a gritty performance as he battled all the way to the finish in another competitive field. His willingness to dig deep over the closing stages reflected the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of his racing.
Kerr Sisters Sophie and Emily had some great performaces
There was further success for the club’s younger athletes, several of whom embraced the challenge of competing in multiple events throughout the evening. Rory Mc Alinden continued to demonstrate his versatility across both track and field, producing a strong performance in the Under-12 shot put before setting a new personal best in the 150 metres, highlighting the progress he is making in all aspects of athletics.
Emily Kerr enjoyed a memorable evening as she made her competitive debut in the discus. Taking on the event with enthusiasm and confidence, Emily was delighted to ensure her “spaceship flew high and the wee aliens were happy” – a light-hearted reference that brought smiles to teammates and spectators alike. She then switched her focus to the track, producing a superb final lap in the 2,000 metres. Displaying tremendous determination over the closing 400 metres, Emily powered down the home straight to overtake four athletes and finish strongly.
Sister Sophie Kerr also showcased her all-round ability by competing in both throwing and sprinting events. She recorded a new personal best in the shot put before producing another impressive run in the 150 metres, powering to the finish in 29.08 to round off another successful evening for the talented youngster.
Their performances highlighted the depth of talent within the club and their willingness to take on multiple challenges throughout the evening.
Tony Mayers rounding the top bend in the 150m
Meanwhile, Toby Mayers and Rua Gosling once again demonstrated their growing confidence on the track with composed and technically impressive races, continuing the excellent progress they have shown this season.
With the Super 6 series continuing to provide high-quality competition, the club will look to build on another successful evening as athletes continue their preparations for the remainder of the summer season.