West Norfolk’s Young Athletes Shine in Sportshall League
In a display of remarkable athletic prowess, West Norfolk’s young competitors brought energy and determination to the second match of the Sportshall League at Norwich UEA. The event showcased not only their physical abilities but also their team spirit and perseverance, with athletes across different age categories delivering performances that highlighted both individual excellence and collective effort. From newcomers making spectacular debuts to seasoned competitors setting personal bests, the competition revealed the depth of talent emerging from West Norfolk’s youth athletics program.
The Under-11 girls team captured third place overall through an impressive combination of individual achievements and relay success. Dana Bishop, competing for the first time, immediately made her mark with a third-place finish in the chest push (5.50m) and strong performances in the 4-lap and 2-lap hurdles events. Her teammate Jess Watts achieved a personal best in the speed bounce with 45 bounces, securing second place, while also performing admirably in the 2-lap event. Kacey Gray demonstrated her versatility with solid results in both the 2-lap hurdles and foam javelin, and Teagan Thorne dominated the chest push with a winning distance of 5.7m while also contributing significantly in the speed bounce. Perhaps most impressively, the girls showcased their teamwork by claiming third place in the flat relay and fifth in the obstacle relay, demonstrating that their collective strength matched their individual talents.
Despite facing older competitors, the Under-11 boys team—comprised entirely of Year 4 athletes—displayed exceptional courage and skill throughout the competition. Jacob Green celebrated a breakthrough victory in the foam javelin with an impressive throw of 14.25m, while also competing strongly in multiple other events including the triple jump and both running disciplines. Rex Gilham made a promising debut with solid performances in the triple jump and chest push, showing potential for future growth. Abe Gosnell achieved a personal best in the 2-lap event and contributed valuable points in both the javelin and speed bounce competitions. With only three team members available, the boys could enter just one relay—the obstacle race—where they still managed a respectable seventh-place finish, with Green admirably taking on two legs of the race to compensate for their limited numbers. This underscored not only their athletic abilities but also their determination to represent their team regardless of circumstances.
The Under-13 boys continued their impressive season by claiming victory in the team competition, further solidifying their position in the series standings. Each team member made significant contributions across various disciplines. Rhys Howard set a personal best in the long jump with 1.78m and added another personal record in the shot put, while also performing strongly in the speed bounce. Matas Petreikis, despite feeling unwell, demonstrated remarkable resilience by winning the triple jump and securing second place in both the vertical jump and long jump. Samuel Howard earned valuable points with a second-place finish in the triple jump and fourth in the 2-lap race. Thomas Reed made an outstanding debut with top-three finishes in the 2-lap and 6-lap events, along with a strong showing in the shot put. Riley Gray rounded out the team’s performance with solid results in the speed bounce and 4-lap race. The highlight for this age group came in the relay, where Gray, Samuel Howard, Petreikis, and Reed combined for a thrilling performance in the 4×2-lap event, showcasing the teamwork that has made them so successful throughout the season.
In the Under-15 category, Luke Anderson delivered a near-perfect individual performance that exemplified athletic excellence across multiple disciplines. Anderson dominated his events by winning the 2-lap, 4-lap, long jump, and speed bounce competitions, while also setting a personal best in the shot put with an impressive distance of 8.94m. His only setback came in the triple jump, but his overall score of 149 points reflected his exceptional versatility and skill level. Meanwhile, Keeley Thorne represented the girls’ team with distinction, securing a commendable 11th place overall through consistent performances in the shot put, long jump, and vertical jump. These older competitors demonstrated not only physical prowess but also the technical refinement that comes with experience and dedicated training, setting a standard for the younger athletes to aspire toward.
As the West Norfolk junior athletes prepare for the final league match, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and momentum building within the team. Their performances thus far have established a solid foundation for the season’s culmination, with many athletes showing improvement from one competition to the next. The blend of established competitors continuing to excel and newcomers making immediate impacts suggests a bright future for West Norfolk athletics. Once the league competition concludes, attention will shift to January’s individual county championships, where these young athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on an even bigger stage. Based on the determination, skill, and team spirit displayed at Norwich UEA, many of these competitors appear well-positioned to make their mark at the county level, representing West Norfolk with the same passion and excellence that characterized their Sportshall League performances.
