Wessex Young Athletes League – Andover 2
Team Kennet Battle Through Adversity to Secure Another League Runner-Up Spot
Team Kennet continued their excellent start to the 2026 Wessex Young Athletes League season with another 2nd place finish at Andover on Sunday.
Despite six athletes being forced to withdraw before the competition through illness, injury, and school championship commitments, Team Kennet showed tremendous determination and team spirit to once again finish ahead of some of the strongest clubs in the region.
The final standings saw:
🥇 Camberley & District AC – 372 points
🥈 Team Kennet Triathlon & AC – 275 points
🥉 Southampton AC – 266 points
4th Poole Runners – 208 points
5th Andover AC – 167 points
6th New Forest Junior AC – 138 points
With warm sunshine and excellent conditions throughout the day, there were plenty of personal bests and outstanding performances across the team.
Under 14 Girls Continue Their Dominance
The Under 14 Girls were once again the standout performers, claiming another age group victory and strengthening their position at the top of the league table.
There were impressive double victories in the field events, with Isla Ladds and Matilda Clare taking maximum points in the Long Jump, while Ella McDonald and Clare repeated the feat in the Javelin.
Further success came in the Discus where Ayla Wyvill secured a B String victory, while Sophia Mahoney and Affra Bailey picked up valuable points in the Shot Put.
On the track, Darcey Claridge, Chloe Davidson, Affra Bailey, Lottie Longhurst, Matilda Clare, and Isla Ladds all contributed strongly across the middle-distance and sprint events.
The 4x100m relay team of Mahoney, Ladds, Clare and Bailey rounded off a superb day with a second-place finish.
Under 16 Boys Stay Top Of The League
The Under 16 Boys matched their first-round success by also winning their age group and maintaining top spot in the league standings.
The throws squad dominated proceedings, with double victories in all three throwing disciplines.
Noah Lauder Clarke and Euan Jones combined for maximum points in the Javelin, while Berkay Altuntas and Oscar Hook produced dominant performances in both the Discus and Shot Put.
On the track, Oliver Young delivered another outstanding all-round display, competing in three sprint events and securing podium finishes in each. Frank Edwards added a second-place finish in the 1500m, while Josh Brian and Josh Ladds also contributed valuable points throughout the day.
Valuable Contributions Across The Team
Although the Under 14 Boys were affected by absences, they still produced some excellent performances.
Jenson Nichols was outstanding, winning both the Javelin and Discus before finishing third in the 100m. Alfie Cronk added strong points in both the Discus and Shot Put.
In the Under 18 age groups, Theo Nightingale cleared an impressive 1.90m to win the High Jump, while Zoe Dickson secured second-place finishes in both the Discus and Shot Put.
The Under 16 Girls also continued their strong season.
Catherine Wood led the way in the throws, winning the Discus and placing second in both the Javelin and Shot Put. In the Long Jump, Izzy Payne and Olivia Rayfield delivered a valuable double victory, while Olivia Bentley stormed to victory in the 300m.
The 4x100m relay quartet of Jess McCurtin, Olivia Rayfield, Izzy Payne and Olivia Bentley finished strongly to take second place.
Team Spirit Shines Through
With six athletes unavailable before competition even began, Team Kennet faced a challenging start to the day. However, athletes stepped up across multiple events, filled gaps where needed, and once again demonstrated the strength and depth of the club.
Two age-group victories, numerous event wins, and another second-place team finish mean Team Kennet remains firmly in contention as the Wessex Young Athletes League season moves towards its next round.
A huge well done to every athlete, coach, official and parent who helped make the day another success.