GUTSY Haley Jones recovered from a disqualification nightmare to take a gold medal in a major national championship event.
The Nantwich sprinter was devastated after being disqualified from the 300 metres event at the AAA U17 Championships, at Birmingham, at the weekend.
She had come first and set the third fastest time ever for a British U17 girl over the distance, in 39:54 seconds. But referees ruled she had stepped outside her lane on a corner.
The brave 16-year-old, of Vale Royal Athletics Club, shrugged aside her disappointment to snatch gold in the 200m in a personal best time of 24:44.
Her coach Shaun McGrath said: 'I think the disqualification was a bit harsh but they are the rules. I was worried her head would go down, but she made up for it in great style.'
Stevie Stockton steamed into the Cheshire team after coming second in an inter-schools cross country event on Saturday.
Coppenhall School pupil Stevie, 15, looked on top form in the junior girls event at Castle Park, Frodsham, as she cruised into the county squad. Cheshire will compete in an English Schools Cross Country Championships in Norwich on March 12. Coppenhall teammate Amy Heath was sixth in the minor girls, while Sammy McGowan was 28th in the junior girls.
Running club South Cheshire Harriers chairman Martin Stirna was named Club Member of 2004 at their annual ceremony on Friday. He was recognised for his support of new members and coaching those training for the London Marathon.
Pete Mallison was named Club Champion for 2004 while Mike Cutler was handed the Special Award for his 'inspirational contribution' to the club. Harriers' Mike Cutler (40:35) and Cindy Morrissette (49:13) took part in a five-mile run at Knypersley Pool, near Biddulph.
Victoria High School pupil Dan Aston, 14, excelled when he took third place in a 1.5-mile fun run at the same event on Sunday.
