Northern Indoor Athletics Championship: Hague looking to double up for second year

The pole vault looks to be one of the strongest events with City of Sheffield and Dearne athletes Hague and Luke Cutts up against fellow international Max Eaves.

Hague is listed in both the senior and U20 events, just as he was a year ago when he triumphed in both.

Tim Burn (City of Sheffield) is out to defend his 400m title while Sheffield sprinters Daniel Gardiner and Elliott Hurley clash in the 60m. Another City of Sheffield athlete, Joe Lancaster, should do well in the 800m.

In the women’s events, Sheffield based Louise Bloor (Trafford) goes for the 60m and 200m. She defends her title in the longer sprint where she set a championship record while she was narrowly beaten into second place in the 60m. Zara Hohn (City of Sheffield) should do well in the 60m hurdles.

In the U20 men’s section, apart from Hague in the vault, Lee Thompson (Rotherham) is a strong contender for the 400m, while all rounder Joe Hobson goes for the hurdles, high jump and long jump. Oliver Dane (City of Sheffield) is a medal prospect over 800m.

Kristie Edwards (City of Sheffield) defends both sprint titles at U20 level. Among her challengeers in the 60m is Chesterfield’s Alicia Barrett while Ella Barret goes for the 200m. The Barrett sisters are also in action again, Alicia doing the 60m hurdles and Ella the 400m.

Also in the U20 women’s age group, Abigail Roberts (City of Sheffield) in the pole vault, and Toni Buckingham (Barnsley AC) in the shot are firm favourites and Lucy Chappell (Doncaster) goes for the high jump and long jump.

In the U17 section, Josh Lindley-Harris (City of Sheffield) is expected to win the pole vault while Tilly Simpson (Hallamshire) should have little problem in taking the 800m title. Billie-Jo Harris (City of Sheffield) goes for a sprint double while team mate Emily Simpson should be well placed in the 1500m.

The action on Saturday and Sunday starts at 10.30am.