Athletics: big tournament in Barnsley

In the men’s events Daniel Gardiner defends his long jump title whilst his Sheffield and Dearne team mates Ben Shields (100 metres) and Joe Lancaster (1500 metres) should also be prominent. After a good cross country season Hallamshire’s Dave Archer turns to the track where he contests the 5000 metres.

In the U20 age group Cameron Bell (Hallamshire) goes for the 800 metres and Rotherham’s Leo Rowley defends his shot title whilst at U17 level Joshua Lindley-Harris should retain his pole vault title.

In the women’s, Abigail Bishell (Sheffield) and Hannah Bird (Barnsley) should do well in the 100 metres but the strongest sprinter is likely to be Kristie Edwards (Sheffield) who looks to retain both her 100 and 200 metres title at U20 level. Toni Buckingham (Barnsley) is firm favourite to keep her shot title.

Billie Jo Harris (Rotherham) challenges for both sprints in the U17 section where Amelia Lancaster (Sheffield) goes for the 1500 metres.

Bronte Jones (City of Sheffield) defends her U17 discus and hammer titles and also goes for the shot as well this time.

The outstanding Hallamshire runner Tilly Simpson, who won both the 800 and 1500 titles last year as an under 15, moves to the U17 age group where she concentrates on the 800 metres. Her younger sister Ruby is listed for the under 13 800 metres.

The U15 girls section will be keenly contested. Jodie Hill and her brother Taylor (Hallamshire) run in their respective 1500 metre races.

Nicole Lannie (Doncaster), who won four events as an U13 last year, moves up to under 15 where she attempts the shot, javelin, long jump and hurdles.

The meeting starts at 9am today with the walking events and at 10am, Sunday.