A record number of athletes competed for the joint West Norfolk AC/Ryston Runners AC team in the Norfolk Sportshall Athletics league match at Lynnsport on Saturday. 36 athletes competed which almost overwhelmed the team managers Andy Smith and John Greenhalgh, and all appeared to thoroughly enjoy an afternoon of racing and indoor field events in a fantastic atmosphere.

The Under 11 girls A team performed the best, finishing runners up behind Norwich. A number of new club members competed in the B team for a creditable 5th place. The Under 13 girls finished 3rd and are placed 4th in the league table narrowly behind the teams in 2nd and 3rd spot. A big effort in the final league match in Norwich on the 26th November could lift them a couple of places.

The Under 11 boys team are also in the medal hunt after finishing 3rd on the day whilst the smaller U13 boys team finished 5th despite having some class athletes in the team. Lack of numbers let them down in the end. There are too many athletes to mention but special praise must go to Daniel Harvey who won both the 2-lap and 4-lap race and Ryan Coates who won both 6 lap and jointly won the 4 lap. Ben Symonds competing for the first time jointly won the 4-lap with Ryan and Thea Howlett also competing for the first time proved herself to be a classy athlete in all her events, particularly the long jump where she was placed first. Many other athletes performed personal bests, were placed in the top three or competed in events that they did not choose to help the team cause.

Thanks must be given to Lynnsport Leisure staff who were really helpful on the day and to all the Officials and parents who helped out and cheered the athletes on helping to create such a feverish atmosphere.

FINAL League MATCH: Saturday 26th November, Norwich UEA