ANOTHER year and yet another medal for the Team Bath U13 boys’ squad at the National Young Athletes’ Road Relays in Birmingham, writes Kevin Fahey.

Inevitably a Howorth boy was involved but this time it was Rory, the youngest, making his debut in the event.

Even though the 11-year-old, who lives in Hilperton, is bottom of the age group he recorded the fastest overall time of the day against some of the best boys in the country which represents a fantastic achievement.

He was joined by teammates Hayden Bailey, who lives in Westbury and goes to John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge and was the seventh fastest youngster on the day plus newcomer Alfie Green (St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon).

“It was a fantastic run from the U13 boys to get the silver, which was the same result as last year but with a different three athletes,” said coach Adrian Clover.

“It was really pleasing for the boys to win a medal as that age group is a bit of a lottery as you never know who might turn up.”

Team selection for the U15 boys’ race was tricky with seven good athletes available.

The Howorth twins Robert and John were joined by William Stockley in the A team that finished 12th. On the day B team members Themis Bower and Cameron Perkins both ran faster than the twins.

“In hindsight if we had switched things around the A team may have got sixth on paper, but selection was based on 1500m times and it was not an easy one,” said Clover.

In the U17 women’s race Sheldon School’s Gemma Shepherd, who ran the seventh fastest time of the day, Corsham’s Kirsty Stanley and Ellen Lindsay ran solidly to bring Team Bath home in a creditable 10th.

Warminster’s Imogen Wolsey was the only Team Bath athlete in the senior women’s relay, showing a welcome return to form after a long period out with injury by finishing 10th (15:03) on the opening stage.

  • INTERNATIONAL duathlete Phil Wylie, who lives in Bradford on Avon, ran a time of 17mins 29secs in the National Six-Stage Road relays in Birmingham on Saturday.

“He was not far off the fastest time and was running mostly on his own to bring us into second place on stage four,” said Bristol & West team manager Mike Down.

Wylie clipped 15 seconds off the time he clocked in the Midland Championships last month and was the 21st quickest overall on the day.

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