Kennet keep it cool in the heat as Downer and Altunas impress

Team Kennet’s juniors came third in the second round of the Wessex Young Athletes League at a baking hot Aldershot Athletics Stadium.

There were some outstanding performances amongst the under-13 girls, who came third overall in their age group.

Emerald Hill-Sawyer was typically impressive, demonstrating her skill at various distances with second placed finishes in both the 800m and 200m.

Ella Cronk produced a remarkable surge down the home straight to win the B string 800m, Harriet Saunders was second in the 1500m while Daisy Downer made a fine debut in the throwing events and Maisie McCurtin finished second in her high jump bow.

Anna Hall was also in fine form, finishing runner-up in the B string shot put with a throw of 5.24m and third in the discus.

Hall and Downer then combined to secure a double win in the javelin, with Hall winning the A string with a massive throw of 21.39m and Downer taking top spot in the B string with a distance of 15.4m.

The under-15 girls, who were also third on the day, excelled in the throwing events.

Charlotte Bailey was the star performer on the track, finishing runner-up in the 1500m and the B string 300m.

Eliska Simpson and Evie Lewis combined for a double win in the discus, Hannah Taylor triumphed in the B string high jump while the all-action Emilia Lunn was second in the long jump.

Sophie Moores put in a valiant performance in the 100m, clocking a time of 14.1s to finish fifth.

Clare McGonnell carried the flag for the under-17 girls, winning the 300m with a fast time of 44.01s.

McGonnell also won the javelin thanks to a throw of 28.46m and produced another stellar showing to claim third place in the 200m.

There were also a number of excellent efforts from the boys, headlined by under-13s Harry Smith and Frank Edwards, who both ran personal bests to land a double win in the 1500m.

Smith came home in 5:16.2 to win the A string while Edwards clocked 5:46.09 to land the B string.

Oscar Larkin ran hard to finish third in the A string 800m and teammate Noah Lauder-Clarke finished second in the B string.

In the under-15 age group, Turkay Altuntas produced a remarkable performance, securing two wins and a second place in the throwing events.

He took the crown in both the shot put and the discus and managed second spot in the B string javelin.

Meanwhile, the Quadkids were triumphant in their fixture, finishing top of the pile with 1632 points.

Newcomer Jenson Nicholes demonstrated his versatility across a range of disciplines, while Malik Gaye dominated the sprint and 600m races.

In the girls’ events, Matilda Clare showed her class in both track and field events, Ella Larkin led the way in the 600m and Ella McDonald scored vital points throughout the meeting.

After two matches, the girls lead out of 26 teams.