By JAMIE STRUDLEY
WHAT a great week of athletics for the Yarra Ranges Athletics club.
Two weekends ago several club athletes competed in the state Little Athletics multi-event championships held in Moe.
All the club’s athletes performed to their very best with personal bests in many of the events in the competition.
Standout results were Kiara Flavel winning the girls under-9 competition and Georgia Laven finishing third in the girls under-12 competition.
Other results were Maddie Laven 10th in the girls under-10, Zac Clarke 16th in the boys under-10, Alex Van Duuren placing 50th in the boys under-10, Camden Hewitson 17th in the boys under-12 and Harrison Van Duuren 10th in the boys under-13.
This weekend saw a return to Saturday morning Little Athletics. Probably a good thing with the warm weather experienced over the weekend.
All the athletes made the most of the cooler conditions to record some excellent performances. With region track and field championships only a couple of weeks away it is great to see so many athletes enjoying the competition and achieving some very good results.
Round two of the AV knockout competition was held on Saturday at Lakeside Stadium.
Yarra Ranges Athletics members took the opportunity to race under championship conditions. Some good results were achieved in the hot and blustery conditions.
Standout performances were from Dale Bullen in the open men javelin, discus and shot put events. Others to compete were Lucas Taylor, Harrison Van Duuren, James Laven, Maddie Lum, Aiden Pace and Lee Taylor.
Next weekend is the Victorian Junior Track and Field Championships, to be held at Lakeside Stadium. The club has 18 athletes competing for a state title and an opportunity to compete at the Australian Championships in early March. Good luck to all athletes, watch this space for results next week.
The club’s Little Athletes continue preparations for the region track and field championships with a “choose your event day” next Saturday morning from 8.30am.
Put 28 April in the diary – a family fun night will be held at Morrison Reserve, a night of games, competitions, a few races and a jumping castle. Bring your friends, neighbours and family.
New members of all ages and abilities are always welcome. Visit the website www.yarrarangesathletics.org.au for more information, results and training times.