CENTRAL AC athletes helped claimed second place for the Forth Valley team in the first track meeting for the Scottish Women's League.

The under-17 hurdlers featured strongly as Emma Mailer turned in a new personal best to win the 300m Hurdles in 45.57s, while Katie Sharkey won the sprint hurdles in 12.08s.

Both girls also delivered strong performances in the 200m with Emma taking third in 26.51 and Katie winning the B race in 26.24s.

Elizabeth Thompson showed good form in the 300m taking third place in a new personal best of 42.20s.

Meanwhile, Lucy Smith cleared 1.40m for second in the in B high jump.

Anna Cameron took a good third place in long jump with 4.94 and was fourth in 100m in 13.31s.

Skye Henderson produced a gutsy run with fifth place in the 800m, claiming a seasons best of 2:26.61 along the way.

A number of Central’s athletes moved into the senior ranks to face top competition and acquitted themselves well.

Catriona Laing was a fine fourth place in the 200m in 26.47, and Lucy Mason was 6th in the B race with 27.21.

Kate Gallagher had a tough race with her teammate Sarah Calvert in the senior 1500m, with the duo taking wins in the combined A/B race. Kate’s time of 4.44.57 also set a good marker for season ahead.

Lauren McCulloch moved up to senior 800m and took 4th in 2.26, with Madeleine Woods posting a 64.02 outdoor personal best for 5th in the 400m B race.

Lydia Simpson also came 6th in the 100m with 13.59.

An all Central 4x400 team were pleased with a fine 3rd place as Lauren, Elizabeth, Madeleine and Catriona turned in a 4:12.96 to finish the day, after the senior 4x100 featuring Lydia, Catriona and Lucy put in a 5th place run with 52.61.

In the under 15 age group, only Shona McLay made the squad from Central, and posted two good wins in the B 100 and 200 with times of 13.28 and 26.82, respectively.

She then made a big contribution to a relay second place in 52.71.

Cora Morgan posted a new personal best with 14.07 for 5th in the under 13 hurdles with part of a relay team posting 57.56 for second place and Elise Graham-Marr took on a hard fought 800m with 6th in 2:42.84.

In the end, the Forth Valley team posted a final points tally of 402 to claim second place behind Edinburgh AC on 484.

Picture legends

Shona McLay showing fine form as she took a 200 metres win.

Forth Valley’s Kate Gallagher and Sarah Calvert make ready for the final lap in the senior 1500m as they gained maximum points

Katie Sharkey showing fine form to win the second of her events.