Chichester youngsters edged out by Crawley and Horsham

There were good performances across both track and field from the squad of 14.

Chichester’s best combination was in the boys’ throws where Peter Thomas was ably assisted by Jay Lake, making his first appearance of the season in the under-15 age group.

The pair scored a clean sweep in the shot and dropped just one point in the discus before having to settle for two second places in the hammer, not surprising as Crawley were fielding their two throwers ranked second and fifth in the UK.

On the track Max Newton spearheaded the sprints, ably assisted by Ewan Willis and Andrew Bysouth, the latter also adding two second places in hurdles and high jump.

Middle-distance runner Casey Keates was just edged out for second place in the 1,500m but was rewarded with a personal best of 4.48.0.

The best performance in the girls’ events came from Amy Brown, who once again set a new personal best in the pole vault to win the competition with a clearance of 2.40m which now puts her inside the top 25 in the country.

There was a win for Jess Breach in the shot which she followed up with a second place in the javelin.

Sprinter Caitlin Moore was near her best in the 100m, followed by a win in the B string 200m in which Holly Beaton also showed good form, this after outsprinting Charlotte Reading in the 800m for near-maximum points for Chichester.

With Zoe Nunn and Beth Rogers picking up useful points in the discus and javelin, Chichester were pleased to exceed the 100-point mark which left them well clear of Haywards Heath and East Grinstead but unable to match the totals of winners Crawley and home club Horsham.

After a break in the junior programme in the first two weeks of August, the under-15s will be back training for their end-of-season Sussex Grand Final which will include the top ten clubs in the county on Friday, September 7, at Brighton.

PHIL BAKER