Hampshire Track & Field Championships
STUBBINGTON'S Lewis Banner overcame a hell of a week to run well at the Hampshire Track & Field Championships in Portsmouth.
The 16-year-old from Locks Heath had been ill for most of the lead-up to the two-day championships after suffering a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite on his calf.
For two days he couldn't walk, and according to coach, Penny Forse, although Lewis felt a lot better by the weekend of the championships, his preparation was by no means ideal. "He thought he'd give it a go," said Penny.
Lewis didn't disappoint by finishing sixth in the under-20 800m with a time of 2min 4.12sec, which was his second fastest time ever.
Second claim Stubby, Andy Vernon, wearing Aldershot, Farnham & District colours, convincingly won the senior men's 1500m in a time of 3min 50.55sec.
Seventeen-year-old Stubby member, Georgie Gair, was unable to compete in Portsmouth. She was due to line up in under-20 3000m, but had to call off because of a very bad cold.