RYAN McKinlay belied atrocious conditions to win the senior 3000m race at the Highgate Harriers/City of London open meeting at Parliament Hill. McKinlay overcame the wind and rain to clock nine minutes and four seconds and clinch victory in a contest whic

RYAN McKinlay belied atrocious conditions to win the senior 3000m race at the Highgate Harriers/City of London open meeting at Parliament Hill.

McKinlay overcame the wind and rain to clock nine minutes and four seconds and clinch victory in a contest which attracted a host of Highgate Harriers senior runners.

The next Harrier home was Shaun Dixon in 9:05.6, who was followed by Jonathan Deane (9:20.9); Duncan Burbidge (9:21.0); Peter Downie (9:24.0) and Jonny Laybourn (9:27.5). Svenja Abel was the first woman (9:53.0).

Despite the circumstances hampering times the day proved to be a successful pipe-opener for the track and field season for a number of the younger athletes who impressed in their events.

Terry Fawden showcased his talents by winning the under-11s 600m in 2:05.4 and followed up with victory in the under-11 long jump (3.55m). Dempster Fawden won the under-11 75m race five in 12.7 and was second in the under-11 600m (2:08.5).

Race one of the under-11 75m was won by Tyreece Rankin (13.4) with Sebastian Odutola (13.7); Ivy Johnson (13.0) and nine-year-old Zac Ilunga who clocked 11.9 to win his race.

Meanwhile Finbarr Ricketts, whose progress last year was hampered by injury in the early part of last summer, looked good when he won the race one of the senior 100m in 11.8. Eric Guei was third in that race in 12.2.

Race two of the 100m was won by Anthony Norris in 12.1, while cross-country runner Rob Walker - who opted to try his hand at sprinting - won race four in 14.8.

William Laing won race two of the 800m after looking beaten with 200m to run, but kicking on again again to win in 2:09.8. William's brother George Laing ran 57.1 for fourth place in the 400m race one.

Andrew Green was second in the under-15 high jump (1.35m) with Grace Mee recording 1.25m in the under-13 event, Amy-Jane Cotter 1.20m (under-20) and Eva Mee 1.20m (under-13).

The shot-put was won by nationally-ranked under-17 Herne Hill athlete Louis Keen with 13.9m. Sally Charlton, an under- 13 girl threw 5.04m.