ST GABRIEL'S High School pupil Hannah Kelly could soon be competing against the best senior sprinters in the country after producing another stunning set of results at the National School Games.

That was the view of coach Les Hall, at Bolton United Harriers, after watching the 16-year-old claim double gold.

Kelly, of Meadowbank Close, Bury, gained revenge over her main rival, Kiah Dubarry Gay, in the 200m after twice losing to her this year in major finals.

She overcame a bad lane draw to burst clear on the finishing straight and clocked a winning time of 24.36secs, her second-best time ever.

The Bury schoolgirl then helped the north of England relay team blitz the field in the 4x100m, setting a new Games record time of 45.98 in the process.

“They not only smashed the meeting record, but it was the eighth fastest British female relay time this year across all age groups,” said Hall.

“They are now firmly ranked at number one in the under-17s age group.

“This was Hannah’s last outdoor race of the year. She will now take a well-earned break before starting some hard winter training at the end of September.

“Next year Hannah will move up to the under-20s age group, which will be a massive challenge, but it is a challenge she is up for. She will target the National Indoor Championships in early 2018 and then more national championships next summer.

“If Hannah continues to improve and can move her PB into 23 seconds then she will no doubt get the opportunity to compete at the British senior championships next year against the elite of British sprinting.”

Kelly had won a steady stream of gold medals in both 100m and 200m at regional level over the year, but lost out to Gay in the English Schools 200m final and again in the same event at the SIAB Schools International in Dublin.

But she finally won the national gold she craved, representing the north against teams from the south of England, Midlands, Scotland and Ireland at the multi-sport event, which was held at Loughborough University.

Hall added: “Hannah lined up in lane six in the 200m, which was a big disadvantage as Kiah lined up in lane two and could track her around the bend.

“As ever, Hannah ran a fantastic bend and entered the straight level with her rival.

“But this time Hannah had a great transition into the straight and pulled away to win gold.

“This was sweet revenge as Kiah had beaten her already this year and is one place ahead of her in the UK rankings.

“She ran the first leg in the relay, which is the perfect position with her bend-running ability.

“Hannah handed over to Trinity Powell on the second leg and the northern team had a clear lead by the time the fourth-leg runner, national 100m champion Amy Hunt, got the baton. She could relax and pulled away from the field.”

l Danielle Collins was also in the medals, helping the north of England cricket team to finish runners-up. The silver medal capped a fine season for the Tottington St Johns all-rounder, who has scored more than 1,000 runs for her club side and represented Lancashire women's second team.