Rugby and Northampton AC’s under 13 and under 15 teams made the long journey north to Manchester to compete in the final of the UKYDL on Saturday 31st August. They were competing against six other clubs from across the UK who had qualified through regional league competitions for the final. On a glorious day RaNAC’s youngsters acquitted themselves superbly, with many athletes gaining new personal bests and there were numerous top three places.
Competing against the top athletes from the other finalist clubs, RaNAC athletes gained eight first places in A string races, and eleven first places in B string races. All of RaNAC’s young athletes competed with incredible determination, and gave huge support to their club mates throughout the day. In a very exciting competition Rugby and Northampton scored 633 points, finishing second overall, just 8.5 points behind Blackheath and Bromley.
In the under 13 girls’ competition, Millie-Anna Snell stormed to victory in the 75m in an outstanding time of 9.98 seconds – a time which sees her now ranked 8th in the country for 2024. Bella Lamb and Freya Carty scored a double victory in the 800m, with Bella setting a magnificent new personal best. In the javelin Martha Lee and Anya Haresign both gained first places, with both girls throwing new personal bests. Betsy Fahey also claimed first place in the long jump B string.
The under 13 boys competition saw a double first in the javelin from Lucas Toombs and Ishan Bains-Rousseau, with new personal best throws. Joe Walden gained victories in both the B string high jump and 75 hurdles, while David Allen dominated the 800m B string race, with an emphatic victory. The under 13 boys 4x100m team of Harry Rogers, Elijah Hall, Joe White and Lewis Mukarati gained an excellent victory against tough competition.
The under 15 girls also gave some outstanding performances. Jasmine Jessamy and Mary Taylor were victorious in the 100m A string and 300m A string respectively, while Emily Kendrick took first place in the B string javelin. The under 15 girls 4x300m team gained second place against an extremely strong Blackheath and Bromley team. The RaNAC team of Claudia Terrell, Isla Kendall, Matilda Bean and Mary Taylor set a magnificent new club record of 2.50.38, which takes them to fourth place in the 2024 national rankings.
There were more marvellous victories from the under 15 boys’ team. Zac Thorpe had a great day, coming first in both B string 80m hurdles and discus. Johnny Andrew gained a superb first place in the B string hammer, while Charlie Cook scored an outstanding win in the A string javelin, well over four metres clear of his nearest rival.
All our competitors should be extremely proud of their contributions to this fantastic result – second in the National Final! Congratulations to each and every one of the RaNAC athletes – you were superb!
