Another trophy for the cabinet. Having our seniors winning the Southern League title and our youngsters claim the Eastern Young Athletes League title they again proved to be real Champions by winning the final involving the top six clubs throughout the campaign.
So a convincing victory - taking an early lead and holding it throughout although the margin was to show both up`s and down`s. Mid programme Dacorum looked to be most likely challengers before Shaftesbury put in their challenge to take second place, just pipping last seasons champions Havering - but we were now well clear.
The under 13 girls middle distance events once again gave us full points as Ava King and Isobelle Eida came through the 800 metres as clear winners in the two races. Likewise in the 1500 as Erin Kelly and Lily Sanford topped both `A` and `B`string results. The throwing events were also very prolific to the points led by Olivia Mullineaux with wins in the discus, and the`B` string shot putt and javelin, Saya Saunders took the main honours in the javelin whilst also placing second in the shot. Francesca Hopper won the `B`string discus. Leading points :- Chelmsford 90, Shaftesbury 84, Ipswich 78. As with the girls the under 13 boys recorded a double in the 800m with Fred Ferman and Dominic Grant both winners. Jake Read recorded his own double winning the high jump with a PB of 1.55m and then won the `B`Hurdles. Full points came from the long jump via George Dixon and Benjamin Ryder whilst George also won the shot putt with Andrew Skinner taking the`B`string. Leading points Dacorum 101, Chelmsford 93.
To the under 15 girls and again full points from the 800m via Ezra Harrold and Lottie Wilkin whilst Daisy Stollery with Amelia Shipton missed out only by one point in the 1500m. Full honours though from the hurdles via Milana Thorpe and Amelie Scott - this partnership also gained maximum points from the long jump. Alicja Yalaju won the`B` high jump with same height as Chelsea Clark. In the throws Matilda Hewitt recorded what is becoming a regular treble with wins from the shot putt, discus and hammer. Maddison Poulter won the`B`discus. Leading points Chelmsford 126, Basildon 99, Havering 98.5 It was to be the field events in which Chelmsford were to score best. Arsenil Handzil won with 1.76m with Harry Lee taking the `B` with 1.60m which was thought to be a PB but then we found he was recorded with a 1.62m at a meeting in Carshalton a week back. To the shot putt and here Jeremy Anderson and Daniel Brown claimed full points whilst Oscar Dove won the hammer event. Unusual but only won winner on the track with Josh Eida in the 1500m`B`event. Leading points Hovering 109, Shaftesbury 106, Chelmsford 104.
With the under 17 women Gaby Bilbie won the 800m with Sienna Shipton taking the `B`race, Sienna was to follow up with a win in the 300m. Emma Cox placed third in the 1500 just ahead of Niamh Roberts with the`B`string win. Sophie Moule won the hammer event whilst the points built up with a host of second places. Leading scores :-Dacorum 108, Shaftesbury 107, Chelmsford 103. The under 17 men's events brought full points from the hurdles via Sam Wright and Ben Negus, the high jump with Sam Wright and Stephen Adesinii and the triple jump - Kwasi Prakah-Asante and Morri Nash. Apart from the hurdles best track event was the 1500m second place by Dylan Robins, The points score however shows the importance of all those competing in lower placings. Leading points :- Chelmsford and Shaftesbury 111, Havering 102.
Finally hats off to all those parents who have taken to the roles of officials, very impressive to see so many come into sign up for duties when perhaps on such a hot day a seat in the shade would have been more welcome. So well done to both officials and competitors for an excellent day of athletics.
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Report Written By Roy Meadowcroft