NEWS

Essendon claims Hunter Shield “threepeat”

Athletics Essendon has claimed a third straight HH Hunter Shield title to round out the final weekend of the Victorian Track and Field Championships at Albert Park.

Louise and Catherine Mendes and high jump silver medallist Masoud Ghasabani added a further four open medals to Essendon’s total to see it secure the champion club award with a total of 163 points ahead of Melbourne University on 124 points.

The Mendes sisters were among Essendon’s most prolific performers across the three days of action at Lakeside Stadium. After taking silver in the open long jump with a leap of 5.66m, Catherine backed up with 5.67m the following day to take gold in the under 18 event, while Louise took a combined total of two silver and two bronze across the open and under 20 shot put and hammer throw events.

It was in the junior events that Essendon really shone, adding a further eight gold medals to its tally. Joining Catherine Mendes in claiming long jump titles were Lachlan Menara (U18) and Montana Djatschenko (U17), while Madison Alexander (U20) and Hayley Phillips took out their high jump events.

In the 200m events, World Junior Championships representative Cameron Searle was far too strong for his under 20 rivals, while Saye Morris (U18) and Melvin Monleh (U16) were also impressive in claiming gold.

CLICK HERE for a full list of medallists from the second weekend of the Victorian Championships.