Simmonds stars at Goldsmith meet

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

Megan Simmonds of St Andrew High School and Kingston College's (KC) pair of hurdler, Stefan Fennell and high jumper David Hall, were in top form at yesterday's Youngster Goldsmith Classics at the UWI Usain Bolt Track as they won their events in impressive style.

Competing in the Class Two girls' 100 metre hurdles, Simmonds, the World Youth Olympic finalist in the event, used her exceptional start to turn back a strong field, winning in a season best 13.65 seconds. Holmwood Technical's Janieve Russell, who won at the Central Hurdle and Relay Meet, finished strongly for second in 13.70 with her teammate Osheen Erskine, third in 13.91.

happy with the victory

Simmonds, who failed to finish at the Central meet, was happy to bounce back to winning ways.

"I am happy with the victory as I felt bad when I fell at GC Foster College, and I want to thank God for the victory," said Simmonds.

World Junior and World Youth Olympic representative, Fennell, showing excellent technique and good form, was too good for the field in the Class One 110m hurdles, winning in an impressive 13.66.

"I am happy that I am injury-free right now as last season I competed with a hip problem and as long as I stay injury-free I expect great things for the remainder of the season," said Fennell. Finishing second in the event was Yannick Hart of Wolmer's Boys' in 14.18.

Hall, who is in his first year at KC after moving from St Jago was impressive in the Class One boys' high jump, winning the event with an impressive 2.15 metres. St George's Kemarki Absolom was second with 2.10m and Jason Lewis of Wolmer's Boys', third with 1.95m.

The Michael Dyke-coached Edwin Allen High also shared some of the spotlight and will be big threats to Holmwood Technical at Girls' Champs this year. They recorded 1-2 finishes in the Class Two and Three 1,500m events. Nickeisha Reid (4:59.85) won Class Three ahead of Derica Pitters (5:09.69). Marleena Eubanks (4:48.59) was on top in Class Two ahead of Carla Thompson (4:51.81).

Shawnette Lewin captured the Class Two girls' 400m in 56.62 seconds, ahead of teammate Sashawana French (57.05) while Sasha Gay Marston rounded off another win for Edwin Allen as she captured the Class One girls' discus with a best of 42.09 metres.

Calabar High thrower, Traves Smikle, registered a personal best throw of 17.49 metres to win the boys' Class One shot put.