BELMONT Park’s Demar Marshall established a new mark in the boys’ high jump open on the penultimate day of the 33rd INSPORTS/Seprod Primary School Athletics Championship at the National Stadium yesterday.

Five of six scheduled finals were completed at press time with St John’s, the new leaders, on 30.5 points ahead of Harbour View (26 points) and defending champions Naggo Head — who led the day before— back in third on 22 points.

The boys’ cricket ball open was still ongoing.

But it was Marshall’s effort that took the spotlight when he erased Tre-Vanne Smith’s 2011 record of 1.57m, as Belmont Park earned their first points of these championships.

Marshall, who had a shaky start, beat back a determined challenge from Harbour View’s Ramario Lodge, as the battle for gold came down to the two. Lodge eclipsed the old record by clearing 1.59m. However, Marshall stepped up a gear to clinch a competitive battle.

Primo Wright, Marshall’s teammate, claimed third as seven athletes cleared 1.40m.

It was one-two for St John’s in the girls’ long jump open final, as Marie Forbes’ 4.66m won gold, while compatriot Natasha Dudley claimed silver with 4.62m.

Janeedia Brown of Holy Family took bronze with a best effort of 4.59m.

The pair of Forbes and Dudley amassed 16 points, which saw St John’s overtaking Naggo Head in the overall team standings.

Thirty-two finals will be contested on today’s final day with the sprints and relays to bring the championship to its climax.