Young athletes shine
In Chichester Runners’ first National Junior league match for nearly three years, a squad of 15 of under-13s and under15s gave a great account of themselves at Winchester, finishing third out of the six clubs despite having one of the smallest teams.
A combined Bournemouth& New Forest squad beat Woking, Chi chester, Camberley, Holland Sports and Havant. Virtually all of Chichester’s team were having their first taste of National League competition and more than held their own in experienced fields.
In the under-13s Harry Dunne and Harry Cruttenden formed a good partnership in the 800m while Max Gayle tackled the 1200m. The trio excelled in tackling new events.
Gay lean dC rut tend en scored near maximum points in the hurdles while Dunne was a winning B string in partnering new member Alfie Southgate whose 7.48m shot put was the performance of the day. Thomas Kelson spearheaded the sprints while Dunne and Gayle scored good points in high jump and javelin.
Four under-13 girls also tackled a range of events, many with surprising success. Elodie Hill and Daisy Hillyer ran well in the 1200 m while Iona Sherwood opted forth es ho rter800m.S printer Anna Wyatt joined Hillyer in the hurdles while Sherwood tack led the shot and Hill teamed up with Hillyer in the long jump.
With just enough under-15 boys for a relay team, one of the closest finishes of the day saw Monty Hill edge out Ben Ward in the 800m with both runners rewarded with PBs.