It was fourth time lucky for Rugby & Northampton AC at the UK Youth Development National Final held at Liverpool Wavertree Stadium on Saturday 6th September.
After finishing as runners-up for three successive years, R&N AC finally scooped their first ever national title in a final featuring the cream of U13 and U15 athletes in the entire UK.
One hundred and fifty of the top athletic clubs in England, Scotland and Wales compete in this league, the strongest in the U.K. R&N AC have reached the finals ten times out of the past eleven years. This year, though, they finally broke the hoodoo which has seen them play second fiddle to Blackheath & Bromley – but by the slenderest of margins.
Just two points separated the top three clubs at the end of over six hours of thrilling competition. Woodford Green were on 621 points, Blackheath & Bromley on 621.5 – with Rugby & Northampton finishing top of the tree with 623 points.
Club Chair, Adrian White, said, “I can hardly believe it’s finally happened! Everyone’s contribution counted. Even the ones who finished sixth or seventh in their events helped get the victory points!”
Two Rugby & Northampton athletes finished in the roll call of excellence for top ten performances on the day: Robert Copeland for Javelin and Matilda Bean for 300m.
The following day, it was the turn of Rugby & Northampton’s Upper Age Group – U17 and U20 athletes – on a rainy day on Merseyside.
They secured their highest ever score, finishing over 200 points ahead of third placed Harrow and Dacorum, and narrowly behind worthy winners, Blackheath & Bromley.
Club Vice Chair, John Gercs, said, “This is the best team we have ever had. It was a stunning performance. We are very proud. And we will be back!”
Three Rugby & Northampton athletes reached the top ten for outstanding athletic performance on the day: Olivia McGhee for the 1500m, Mary Taylor for the 300m and Moyo Stumpenhusen for discus.
With one win and one second place apiece, both Blackheath & Bromley and our very own Rugby & Northampton AC can proudly claim to be the top athletic clubs in the entire UK!
