Darrin Scott wins inaugural Pitreavie Gift

TLJT runner Darrin Scott (9m) took first place in the final of the first Pitreavie Gift at just after 4.30pm yesterday. He had won Heat 4 in the morning (10.87 secs) and was one of the six fastest heat winners seeded for the cross ties. As only cross tie winners were going through to the final, he had to pull out all the stops to ensure qualification. He did so as indeed did all of the six seeded runners who all went to the final. 

Backmarker for the final was Antony Daffurn of Kilbarchan AC (2.5m) who had won Heat 8 ahead of TLJT man David Rae (6m). Although false starting in his heat Ainslie Chinembiri of Edinburgh (3.5m) was fastest up in Heat 15 in an amazing 10.86 secs and that without using starting blocks. 

Hugely fancied after his heat was TLJT youngster David Edwards (7.5m) who qualified through Heat 9. He was runner up in the final after a photo finish with Scott and veteran Tommy Finkle of TLJT (10.5m) who was given third place. 

Presentation of the Ricky Dunbar donated Victor's sash, the Wilma Taylor Memorial Sword and winner's purse was made by Dunfermline FC legend Jim Leishman, a trustee of the Mary Leishman Foundation, a charitable organisation set up in memory of his late wife and who have been instrumental in assisting in the organisation of the Gift meeting. 

Gift Chairman, Wallace McGown was delighted with the whole day. He said "This was a great day for athletics in Scotland. The entry was superb and there has been only positive feedback from every one who was there to witness it. Back markers and seeded runners were still making it through to the the finals and often winning. The support we have received from all of our sponsors and supporters has been truly magnificent and I wish to thank them all on behalf of the Directors. We will definitely be back for the 2013 Gift."

A full report, results service and photo gallery will follow shortly.

30.01.2012.