Junior athletes from Thetford Athletics Club began the outdoor track and field season with a splendid start in the Bedfordshire Open Meeting at Sandy Sports Centre.

Junior athletes from Thetford Athletics Club began the outdoor track and field season with a splendid start in the Bedfordshire Open Meeting at Sandy Sports Centre.

Preparation and training for the first events this year was on display from all athletes throughout the day, with personal best (PB) performances for many, showing great promise for the season ahead.

U17 and Junior men: In the 3000m Phil Waity made a great start gaining a second place with a PB of 11:12.6. Joseph Kirton made a tremendous challenge on the home straight to finish second in an exciting 800m race in a PB of 2:22.2 and also gained another PB when he took fourth place in the 400m in 61.5. Josh Bucciferro ran well in the junior men's 100m, finishing in

third place.

U15 boys: Will Davies, in his first outdoor meeting, had two excellent sprints, finishing first in the 100m in 12.5, and second in the 200m in 26.2, both PBs.

In the throwing events, Oliver Thomson was second in the shot with 6.52m, and fourth in the discus with 21.28m, a creditable start to the season.

U13 boys: Daniel Howe performed well in both sprinting and throwing, achieving PBs in both events, with a 15.6 sprint in the 100m, and second place in the discus.

U15 girls: Competing in three events, Elisha Bowers was placed fifth in both the 100m and 200m and had a best jump of 3.15m in the long jump.

Rachel Mumford began the season with two PBs with a long jump of 4.40m, and a first place in the 200m. Megan Norry ran a great 1500m in a PB to take fourth place.

U17 women: Yet more PBs came from Georgina Howe in the throwing disciplines, with a discus throw of 27.67 metres for third place, and a hammer throw of 34.81m, promising more great throws for the season ahead.

Anyone aged eight years upwards who would like to try any of these activities under the guidance of experienced UK Athletics-qualified coaches, can go to a 'come and try' day at Thetford AC on Saturday, April 25, from 10-noon.

Please ring Marie or Gary Howe on 01842 753447 between 7pm and 9pm if you would like to take part, as places are limited and booking necessary. All coaches are CRB checked.