Scottish Highland Games Association

CUPAR REPORT BY SHANE FENTON

DIFFICULT CONDITIONS FOR ALL AT CUPAR BY SHANE FENTON

Despite having to contend with torrential downpours and strong winds there were still some good performances in the track and field events at Sunday's Cupar Highland Games in the Duffus Park.

Borders sprinter Ross Borthwick made the journey from Hawick to Fife worthwhile by racing to victory in both the Open 90 metres and 200 metres Handicaps.

In the 90 metres he broke the tape in 10.20 seconds to just edge out Pitreavie AC's Michael Burns and former New Year Sprint winer Leigh Marshall also from Hawick.

Later in the afternoon in less than ideal conditions he snatched victory in the 200 metres overhauling Jack Beattie Rosyth on the line with Marshall again in third place.

The 400 metres was one of the races of the day and it saw victory go to Stirling footballer Darren Walker who powered home ahead of Fraser Davidson Torphins and Ross Mathieson Lasswade AC.

Mathieson who is a high ranked Scottish age-group 1500 metres runner turned in an excellent performance to win the 1600 metres Handicap from the backmark of 37.5 metres, he had to battle all the way however to see off the attentions of runner-up Kenny Anderson Glenrothes with John Lowis[jnr] from the Dunfermline West Fife Club back in third.

Lowis gained some consolation by winning the 800 metres handicap ahead of Fraser Davidson and John Bates Melrose.

There was a close finish in the Youth's 90 metres final with Dylan Ali Hawick edging out Ross Friel Glenrothes and Nicola Kellock Lothian Running Club.

It was a Lothian RC athlete who took the Youth's 800 metres Handicap with Lauren Arbuckle crossing the line in 2 minutes 06:01 seconds ahead of Connor Morris DWF with Ross Friel just grabbing third place on the line from Hannah Stewart Lothian RC.

It was a good day in the Heavy events for former World's Strongest Man contender Gregor Edmunds from Glasgow who won six of the seven disciplines , Oakley's Bruce Robb was second in all six and halted a clean sweep from Gregor by winning the opening 16lb Shot Putt event. John McLeod Lochinver and Stuart Anderson Killin occupied the minor placings.

The slippery conditions made it a difficult afternoon for the cyclists, the four races were dominated by riders from Glenrothes, Tim Allan landed a treble with wins in the 1600 metres and 3200 metres handicaps as well as the Deil tak the Hindmost while Darren Howitt took the 800 metres.

REPORT BY SHANE FENTON