Donovan Capes claims a silver medal at the English Schools Championships in Manchester

Bourne’s Donovan Capes has earned international shot put selection after claiming a podium place at the English Schools Championships in Manchester over the weekend.

Capes has been selected to throw for England on September 25 against Ireland, Wales and Scotland to win his first international vest.

He had travelled to Manchester at the weekend looking to repeat his success from 2019 where he took the title.

The championships were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic last year so all the athletes were keen to get back into championship throwing as it had been so long.

It turned into a duel between Isaac Delany of Preston and Capes for the gold medal.

Delany threw a winning mark of 16.17m but Capes responded with a 16.07m throw.

The competition turned into a tense affair between the two, leaving the rest of the field more than a metre behind.

Lewis Capes commented: “Donovan threw well. He was nervous before the competition but then showed maturity and put Isaac under pressure and managed his series of throws well.

“We still have so much yet to prove and there is still two-and-a-half months left of the season.

“We are extremely proud of Donovan in winning his first international vest.”