Racers romp home in clubs' 4x100m at Gibson

Raymond Graham, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Racers Track Club, St Elizabeth Technical and Holmwood Technical captured the championship 4x100 metres at yesterday's Gibson Relays at the National Stadium.

Led by a brilliant anchor leg by Yohan Blake, Racers made it four in a row in the men's Clubs and Institutions sprint relay. They repelled the challenge of the University of Technology (UTech) to win in 38.43 seconds with UTech second in 39.06 and Sprint Tech third in 39.23. The other members of Racers' winning team were Daniel Bailey, Remaldo Rose and Kenroy Anderson. MVP were disqualified for false starting.

St Elizabeth Technical gave their Santa Cruz fans a lot to cheer about as the quartet of Rolland Deer, Andrew Fisher, Kimmerly Duncan and Chaddic Hinds provided their school with their first Gibson Relay victory in the Class One sprint relay. They won easily in 40.37 seconds with St George's College placing second in 41.01 and Wolmer's Boys third in 41.0 6 seconds.

Holmwood Technical ruled supreme in the high school girls Class One sprint relay. They won in 45.74 seconds from Edwin Allen, 45.98. There was disappointment for pre-race favourites Herbert Morrison Technical as anchor-leg runner Sedath Palmer fell a few feet from the finish line.

Two wins for holmwood

Holmwood actually had two wins as their Class Three team won easily in 45.77 seconds to turn back Edwin Allen, 46.35. Wolmers' Girls were third in 46.63.

Vere Technical's Class Two 4x100 metres team, anchored by the outstanding Shericka Jackson, produced the fastest time among females as they won in 45.64 seconds, ahead of Holmwood Technical, 46.58 seconds.

Excelsior High took their first victory at Gibson Relays in the girls' Class Four 4x100m following a terrific anchor leg from Jodyann Petrie. They won in 48.43 seconds from St Andrew High, 48.80, and Hydel third in 48.85 seconds. Favourites for the event, Edwin Allen, were disqualified after crossing the line first in their heat.

There was bad luck for Jamaica College in the Class Two boys' sprint relay. After passing the post in front they were disqualified as their anchor-leg runner took the baton outside the zone on the final exchange. Second past the post, Kingston College were awarded the win in 41.86 seconds.