Peeblesshire News | Sport | Linda goes fourth to finals

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 27th July, 2007 12:34

Linda goes fourth to finals

By David Knox

PEEBLES first lady of sprinting Linda Nicholson has been listed amongst the favourites for today’s Langholm 90 metres.

The former national long jump champion has reached three finals already this season, claiming her first ever win on the circuit at Tweedbank.

And the 40-something athletics coach, who runs from 20 metres, looks like she will again be one of the main contenders.

But her biggest danger could come in the form of another leading lady of the track.

Stacey Downie (11.5) is smashing personal bests all over the place just now as she progresses through the international ranks.

And the 20-year-old student from West Linton will be difficult to beat over the short Langholm track.

Dolphinton’s Steven Charters (2.5) is still looking to recreate the form that took him to Jed Forest gold last season.

But the 20-year internationalist can’t be discounted.

Innerleithen’s John Sutherland (4.5) is another who has yet to live up to last season’s promise, and an early season foot injury hasn’t helped his cause.

But there are several leading sprinters entered today who are in the form of their lives, including this year’s joint Jed winner Greig Turnbull (4), Scottish champion Craig Fleming (scr), Ikram Barskanmay (6.75) from Hawick and 40-year-old Australian Kenny Telfer (7.5).

Dean Whiteford (85) will be looking to continue his winning ways in the 1600 metres. The Innerleithen mechanic has picked up four victories already this season and will likely be amongst the front-runners again.

Brian Stannage (195) narrowly missed out on his hometown Innerleithen track last week, but they both have to deal with the formidable Darrell Hastie (-5) from Kelso. Other likely contenders in the mile are Hawick teenager Stewart Fraser (45), Andrew Gibson (70) from Polmont and Selkirk winner Wayne McIntosh (55).

St Ronan’s finalist Mhairi Imlah (16) will again be one of the fancied starters in the youths’ 90 metres.

The 12-year-old Moorfoot Junior will be tested by her training partners Faye Nicholson (10.5) and Jamie McGill (18).

Although the more likely main contenders could come from the Charlie Russell school with both Craig Robertson (3) and Zara Murray (13) in top form.

In the youths’ 1600 metres Scout Adkin (215) will be hoping to continue the form that won her the Caerlee Hill race last weekend.

The full programme of athletics at Langholm Common Riding Games gets underway this afternoon at1.30 pm.

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