Triathlon

MARK MAKES GB BID:

Redruth's international athlete Mark Lewarne (Follett Stock) is hoping to gain a spot in this year's Great Britain Triathlon Team for the World Championships which take place in Beijing, China, in early September.

Last weekend saw Lewarne compete at the British Sprint Triathlon Championships, which were held at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, where he put in a strong performance to finish ninth for his age category.

The event which involved a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run, is a real test of speed endurance with the event lasting just over one hour. Lewarne said: "It was a tough race this weekend, with some very strong athletes to race against, the overall standard of competition was very high and I am delighted with another top finish in a national ranking event.

"I did work pretty hard and found the bike section difficult as many of the other athletes are experienced cyclists, but I managed to hold my position pretty well on the difficult and hilly run to cross the line in a modest ninth position."

The race doubled up as a World and European Championship qualification event for athletes hoping to gain the qualification standard required for Beijing World Championships this year and Israel in 2012 for the European Triathlon Championships.

This coming weekend Lewarne will be in action again at the Shropshire Olympic Distance Triathlon, which is again another chance to impress selectors and secure a spot, and he is hoping to continue his early season good form.

He said: "I hope the performance I gave last weekend is enough to get a spot on the GB team again for the third successive season.

"I am under no illusions and there is still a lot of hard work to be done, I must make sure I enter the race with a positive attitude and remain mentally strong throughout.

"Training has been going well and physically I am in decent shape. I have had the benefit of a two week pre-season warm weather Training camp in Lanzarote, so all I have to do is believe in myself and go out there and give a strong performance at the weekend."

Mark also paid tribute to his continuing sponsor for the 2011 season, Follett Stock Solicitors. He said: "I have the backing of a top sponsor in Follett Stock Solicitors and I just want to go out there and give them a performance to be proud of."

For further updates during the course of the triathlon season visit www.marklewarne.com

Running

EARLY START FOR RUNNERS:

Sunday's Plymouth half marathon was designed to benefit early risers. The 8.30am start was at least an hour earlier than the other races held in Cornwall and Devon and runners from west Cornwall had to make an early start.

This did not stop Sarah Kenworthy leading the Hayle Runners team home in an impressive personal best time of 1 hour 31 minutes 9 seconds.

Sarah who came second in last week's St Austell half marathon in her debut for the club used the race as part of her preparation for the classic quarter 44 mile endurance race from the Lizard to Lands End in June.

Anthony Burrows was second home for the club.His time of 1 hour 32 minutes and 11 seconds showed that his old form is rapidly returning and kept him just ahead of Mike Dowrick whose 1 hour 32 minutes and 49 seconds was a personal best by over two minutes.

There were also personal bests for Paul Sneyd,Alison Thomas and Jean Pollard. The enclosed photograph shows the Hayle Team at Plymouth.Full Hayle results are given below.

The club are now preparing for the Cubert and Sticker 5 mile races in June

Hayle Runners training nights are held at Hayle Rugby Club on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm where runners of all abilities and speeds are supported by coaches and welcomed. Currently longer runs are also arranged on Sundays to help runners prepare for marathons and half marathons when no grand prix races are being held. Structured coaching support is also available at Carn Brea track on Thursdays at 7pm More details from the club's website www.haylerunners.org.uk

Full Hayle results: Sarah Kenworthy 1-31-09;Anthony Burrows 1-32-11;Mike Dowrick 1-32-49;Paul Sneyd 1-38-01;Paul Morris 1-43-40;Frank Burnell 1-51-35;Alison Thomas 1-53-41;Andy Blight 1-53-41;Kathryn Osborn 1-58-11,Mike Wright 2-29-44;Jean Pollard 2-40-08

Rugby

DAWE GUESTS AT ST DAY:

St Day Rugby Club's Dinner and Dance, was held at the Lowenac Hotel, Camborne when guest speaker was Graham Dawe, coach of Plymouth Albion, who talked about his playing career, playing for England, Cornwall, Launceston and Bath.

This year's trophies were presented by Phil Conty, from Conty-Hooper, who sponsored this year's dress shirts, and Shaun Smith, from Andrewartha, who sponsored the playing shirts.

Trophies: Players' player, Ben Allen; Player of the Year, Symeon Phillips; Young Player of the Year, Justin Lawrence; Most Improved Player, Symeon Phillips; Top Points Scorer, Matthew Downing; Top Try Scorer, Justin Lawrence; Training Trophy, Symeon Phillips; Clubman of the Year, Michael Downing; Committee Person, Shaun Donovan; Past Player Cup, Michael Bryant; Special Award, Liam Hatch; Club Ties for 50 Games, Adam Simmons and Jon Newell; Club Ties for 100 Games, Alex Steele and Ben Allen; Club Tie for 200 Games, Damion Stoddern; Club Tie for 300 Games, Kevin Pooley.

A new Loyalty Shield was donated this year by Mike and Nikki Lawry, in memory of Michael Williams, who was a life member of the club for more than 30 years. Winner of the award was Phil Bostock.

President Michael Downing thanked the sponsors, for their kindness to the club and was delighted to see them at the dinner. He was also thrilled to see some past players, Michael Bryant, Ken and Dick Mugford, and would love to see a few more next year.

He presented the club ties to Graham Dawe, Phil Conty, Shaun Smith, club's vice captain, Damion Stoddern, and presented flowers to Mrs Conty, Mrs Smith, Sue Lea, Daphne Richards and Mo Drage. St Day RFC AGM, will be held at the St Day Inn, on Monday, June 27, at 7.30pm. Any new players wishing to join the club will be made welcome.