ILKLEY decathlete Harry Maslen has leapt to fourth in his age-group national rankings after setting three personal bests in the Under-20 Home Internationals in Hexham last weekend.

Wet and windy conditions didn't lend themselves to good times or long throws but, making his England debut, he was able to draw on his fine form of late to record not only personal best in the 110 metre hurdles and pole vault but also a best-ever points total of 6.646 points which brought him an overall bronze medal.

His day-one performances were second, 100m 11.49sec; fourth, long jump 6.61m; second, shot put 12.35m; second, high jump 1.88m; third, 400m 51.44sec, putting him second overall on 3,551 points.

Day-two performances, in which Harry made a strong start, were: fifth, 110m hurdles 15.42sec (personal best); third, discus 34.55m; third, pole vault 3.90m (personal best); second, javelin 45.38m; sixth 1500m 4min 48.12sec.

Competition for podium places was close throughout, and going into the 1500 metres, Harry was second overall by just one point to an exceptionally fast runner.

Harry, who is talented and dedicated, was proud to get on the podium but, in addition to enjoying the two days, he was also thrilled to be wearing an England vest in, what was for him, a great conclusion to a good season.

After starting athletics as a junior with Ilkley Harriers, doing sportshall athletics, Harry, who is soon heading to Texas to train and study, has gradually progressed through the track and field programme and the club hope this is the first of many England vests for him.