MIDDLE-DISTANCE ace Guy Learmonth admits he had to blow away the cobwebs as he slipped to a second-place finish in his first race of 2015.

The 22-year-old Commonwealth Games finalist claimed silver in the 800m in the season-opening Sainsbury's Glasgow International Match on Saturday, losing out to Robin Schembera with a time of 1:48.59.

Learmonth looked to be making a late surge as he rounded the final bend to come back at the German but he could not close the gap, and insisted after the race he had not intended to be behind at all.

"I didn't want to run like that," said Learmonth, speaking at the Sainsbury's event - a partnership with British Athletics that builds on Sainsbury's support for the 2012 Paralympics and recognises that sport can unite and inspire children of all ages and abilities.

"I wanted to get to the front earlier and I was a little bit rusty, but this first race has really blown away the cobwebs.

"I'll take all the positives I can from it. That is the fastest I've ever opened up with in an indoor campaign so I want to build on this.

"It was a bit of an honour for me to wear the ace bib. The Scottish team have put a lot of faith in me, and a lot of the guys were asking me for advice and stuff in the hotel.

"I felt more relaxed coming into this than I did for the Commonwealth Games. I know people are expecting a lot more from me now, but I expect a lot more from myself as well.

"It felt great having that Scottish roar behind me again. As soon as you get your name announced, to hear those big cheers gives me such a lift.

"I have big ambitions for this year. The first stage for me this year is to get to the European Championships, get into the final, and start contesting for medals.

"I also want to qualify for the World Championships in Beijing and start hitting the low 1.45's, and once I've done that I will start focusing on the Olympics for next year."

It was a day to remember for Scotland's athletes, as Kirsten McAslan claimed a bronze in the women's 400m, as did Josephine Moultrie in the 1500m.

Both 4x400m relay teams were beaten into silver by Great Britain, but the performance of the day came from Edinburgh's Jamie Bowie in the men's 400m, who came from behind on the final straight to pip Conrad Williams and beat the Brit for the first time in his career.

He said: "To win against Conrad is pretty special in front of such a big crowd. I know the time wasn't that great but it gives me a boost ahead of the next few races. It's a good win in the bank and I felt really strong out there."

PLEASE LEAVE IN FINAL PAR - Sainsbury's is a proud partner of British Athletics. The partnership reflects Sainsbury's wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury's School Games. www.sainsburys.co.uk

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