SIR JOHN Colfox school student Olivia Willmore ran the race of her life to clinch the 400m hurdles gold at the Southern Inter Counties Championships in Oxford.

Competing in the Under-20 women category, 15-year-old Willmore was down at the 200m mark but gradually worked through the field to come off the final bend in first place, after several challenges from a high-class field, Willmore held on to take the win.

Her time of 65.8secs was an English Schools qualifying standard.

Coached by Dean Exton of Dorchester Athletics Club, Willmore has gone from strength to strength this season winning both club and school County Championships and South West England titles.

Her last event of the season is a heptathlon at Exeter where Willmore will take on SW England’s best runners, jumpers and throwers.

FOOTBALL

Lyme put five past Bickleigh

LYMERegis continued their fine start to the Devon & Exeter League Division One season with a comfortable 5-2 win at Bickleigh.

The victory leaves the Seasiders sitting at the summit of the league on 16 points from six games.

Robin Townsend’s men will welcome Lapford to Davey Fort on Saturday (3pm) in a top-of-the-table clash, with the visitors placed four points adrift.