The first question we should ask is where were you all! The numbers taking part in this annual trial was down on last year which is disappointing to think that youngsters missed on a chance to represent their County.

In the trials organised by Bingley Harriers 88 Children from across West Yorkshire competed enthusiastically running, jumping and throwing trying to impress their way into the West Yorkshire Teams the Tykes. The competition was held at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre and relied on the co-operation of the Richard Dunn Sports staff, an army of volunteers and Bingley Harriers to stage the event. The children all took part in different selected events including sprinting, standing long & triple Jump, throwing, agility challenges and the different obstacle relay trials. The trials held on Sunday 9th January resulted in 1 team of up to 15 Girls and 1 team of up to 15 Boys being selected for their all round good performances at the trials.

The children and volunteers enjoyed the experience of Sportshall Athletics and it is hoped that the West Yorkshire teams have a successful day at the Yorkshire Under 11s Sportshall Fun in Athletics Festival in Hull on Sunday 5th February.

The day had some disappointment that numbers were down but we still had quality athletes and that should contribute to strong teams for the finals.

In the results records were broken with Rhea Southcott from Bingley Harriers breaking a Grand Prix Time trial record by .09 of a second and then breaking the Chest Push record by half a metre taking the Athlete of the match award. In the Boys competition there were some good performances and a new High Stepper record went to Sam McKinnon-Evans from Ilkley.

The Aviva Athlete of the match awards go to Rhea Southcott and Sam McKinnon-Evans for their top performances and record breaking achievements.

We have had glowing reports from the event and that it was very well organised. The behaviour of the kids was excellent with the majority shaking hands and congratulating each other after some thrilling races. It was an excellent day for junior sportsmanship. The athletes selected for the team are

BOYS
NAME SCHOOL
LIAM BIRRELL METHLEY PRIMARY
SAM MCKINNON-EVANS ILKLEY
BENJAMIN ADENIJI STOCKS LANE PRIMARY
SETH CALVERT-GREEN TWO GATES, SLAITHWAITE
CALLUM ORANGE ST PATRICKS RC, BIRSTALL
RYAN HAMMERTON ST PATRICKS RC, BIRSTALL
MATTHEW CRORKEN ST PATRICKS RC, BIRSTALL
LUKE TWEED GYYLL ROYD, ILKLEY
BEN HORNER HALIFAX
CHARLIE WILDE ALL SAINTS, ILKLEY
LEWIS TOWER ST JOSEPH'S, DALTON
ARAN THOMAS WILBERLEE JUNIOR, SLAITHWAITE
LUKE WHITE ST JOSEPH'S, DALTON
NICHOLAS BRAYSHAW RAWDON LITTEMOOR PRIMARY
REECE HIRD HARDEN PRIMARY

GIRLS
NAME SCHOOL
RHEA SOUTHCOTT SANDAL PRIMARY
GRACE PLATER METHLEY PRIMARY
LUCY TATTERSFIELD WELLINGTON PRIMARY
SOPHIE ALLAN HOLMFIRTH SCHOOL
MEGAN HAYES ADDINGHAM PRIMARY
ELLA MORAN HAWKSWORTH COFE PRIMARY
GEORGIA PILLING SALTAIRE PRIMARY
LUCY MILLS HALIFAX
JESSICA BRETHERICK ASHLANDS PRIMARY, ILKLEY
LIBBY SHEPHERD NETHERTHONG PRIMARY
MOLLY ELLIS MELTHAM MOOR PRIMARY
MACY ELLIS MELTHAM MOOR PRIMARY
CHLOE BURBIDGE OXENHOPE
SOPHIE TILER HARDEN PRIMARY
BETHAN MORLEY ASHLANDS PRIMARY, ILKLEY

Boys Track Results (pdf)
Boys Field Results (pdf)
Girls Track Results (pdf)
Girls Field Results (pdf)

Any athletes from these trials who are age 11 after 1st September 2011 and under 15 as at the same date can enter the U13/U15 West Yorkshire Trials which are to be held at Richard Dunn Sports Centre on Sunday 22nd January. Athletes from this event can progress the extravagant UK Championships to be held in Birmingham later in the year.

Alan Oates
West Yorkshire Sportshall Association & Bingley Harriers