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Woodford Qualify for UK Athletics YDL National Final!

On Sunday 16th June Woodford’s lower age group (U13/U15) squad made club history after securing a place in the UK Athletics Youth Development League National finals! The team’s place was sealed after a narrow victory in their third and penultimate premier League fixture at Hornchurch Stadium (hosts Havering AC). 

Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow 

This is the club's first season in the Premier League (Southern Region). The rise to the Premiership came after two successive years of promotions. Starting in 2022 in Division 2 (South) when the team were promoted as Champions and again in 2023 after the team won Division 1 (South).

The Premier League consists of 6 teams including Woodford - Blackheath & Bromley AC, Havering AC, Reading AC, Tonbridge AC, and Winchester & District AC.The Southern region is very high standard with Blackheath three-time national champions and both Reading and Tonbridge medaling at the finals in recent years.

There are 4 fixtures in a season. At each fixture clubs select2 athletes to compete in each event. An A scorer and a B scorer.They receive points based on their finishing position. In a 6-club match, points are awarded on a sliding scale with 9 points for an A-scoring win, 7 points for runners-p and so on. The B-scoring is the same but with 7 points for a B-scoring win, 5 for runners up and so on. The club with the highest total points wins and is awarded 6 league points, runners up five and last place 1 point.

After 2 matches, Woodford were top following a fine victory at Ashton in the opening fixture and a runners-up spot in the second fixture at Bromley, home to current YDL National champions Blackheath & Bromley AC. The team’s victory on Sunday, ahead of Blackheath & Bromley AC, meant that with only one fixture remaining they could not be caught by third placed Reading AC.

Woodford are therefore guaranteed at least runners up in the league and, with the top two teams qualifying for the Nationals, they go forward with Blackheath & Bromley AC to compete against the winners of the Northern (East/West), Midlands (North/South) and Scottish Premier Leagues in the UK Athletics National Final in Manchester (Saturday 31st August).

UK Athletics Youth Development League 2024 Premier League Standings (after 3 Fixtures)

1st Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies – 17 points

2nd Blackheath & Bromley AC – 15 points

3rd Reading AC – 10 points

4th Tonbridge AC – 9 points

5th Winchester & District AC – 9 points

6th Havering AC – 3 points

If Woodford can finish in the top 2 in their final fixture at Tonbridge AC (Sunday July 21st) they will go to the Nationals as the Premier League champions. At the bottom of the table Havering have been relegated. It will be an exciting fixture with Reading, Winchester and Tonbridge looking to avoid the drop. 

Fixture 3 – Hornchurch Stadium (Havering) Report

The day’s events unfolded with a huge downpour, but rain was never going to dampen the team’s spirits! Once the rain subsided the fixture opened as usual with long throws (Hammer) and hurdles.

U15 Boys

Throws

Hammer - Kian Traynor stepped in to A-string and was 5th with 21m 7cm after William Stander suffered three no throws. Javelin - William put his disappointment of Hammer behind him with a throw of 42m 39cm to take 2nd in the A-string. James Simpson (28m 56cm) was 3rd B-string and is closing in on 30 meters. Shot - William completed a busy day with 3rd A-string (11m 09cm). Cristian Scozzari (7m 62cm) was 6th B-string. Discus - Kian Traynor (20m 69cm) and Cristian Scozzari (15m 75cm) have both only recently taken up the discus and earned valuable points with 6th place in the A & B string competitions. 

Jumps

Long jump - Callum Clydesdale (5m 62cm) was 3rd A-string and Tyler Reynolds (5m 2cm) 3rd B-string. This was Callum’s first appearance in the long jump this season and both he and Tyler added some very valuable extra points with their higher placed finishes in this fixture. High jump - Toby Taylor (1m 60cm) was pleased to clear 1m 60cm and was 4th A-string. This was a good result after hurting his knee in his hurdles earlier. Daniel Niewczasinski Kirkland was delighted to equal his PB (1m 50cm) for 5thin the B-string. 

Pole Vault

Stephen Ng continued to make excellent progress, clearing 2m 70cm and equalling his PB for 2ndA-string. Blackheath’s Jonathan Adegbola cleared 3m 40cm to take first place. Okkie Lee cleared 2m 10cm for the first time and was 2nd place in the B-string competition.

U15 Boys – Stephen Ng clears 2m 70cm in the A string Pole Vault

Sprints

100m - Alex Osagie (11.76s) was 2nd A-string in a high-quality field with Sammy Geist (12.15s PB) taking 2nd in the B-string competition. 200m – Alex (23.5s PB) and Sammy (25.3s PB) doubled up and took 2nd A-string and 3rd B-string respectively. 300m - Callum Clydesdale (37.88s PB) won a quality A-string race, backed by Rahul Solanki (39.31s) who was 3rd B-string. 

Hurdles (80mH)

Woodford had a horrible lane draw with the outside (lane 6) being very close to fences and the main stand. This disturbed some of the athletes, but Daniel N-K (11.7s) put this behind him and showed his class by taking 2nd A-string. Despite catching the final hurdle Toby Taylor ran a PB (12.62s) and ran well for 2nd B-string.

Middle Distance

800m – Lucas Freedman (2min 08s) continued his fine form, putting behind him the injustice of not being selected for the English Schools and doing exactly what was needed to win the A-string race. It was a very welcome return from Archie Smith (2mins 08s), who ran a tremendous race to win the B-string and ensure maximum points for Woodford. 1500m -Daniel Arnold (4mins 35s) continued his comeback after injury with 4th place in the A-string. He was just 6 seconds off his PB. George Worwood was just 2 seconds off his PB and ran superbly for 3rd in the B race.

Woodford's lads push on in the 1500m

Relays

Woodford’s 4x100m team (Tyler Reynolds, Sammy Geist, Alex Osagie & Callum Clydesdale) ran superbly (47.19s) and was only beaten by a very strong Blackheath team. Woodford’s 4x300m (Lucas Freedman, Toby Taylor, Daniel Niewczasinski Kirkland & Rahul Solanki) team also ran well (2mins 41s) for second, being pipped to the line by the Tonbridge quartet.

 

U15 Girls

Throws

Hammer – it was a welcome return from Beatriz Alden, who opened her season with a throw of 22m 65cmPB) for 4th A-string. Isla Barron is improving all the time and threw 17m 44cm (PB) for 4th B-string. Javelin –Marissa Higgs-Smith stepped up from pole vault duty to throw for the team and won a valuable point with 12m 51cm (PB) for 6th A-string. Beatriz doubled up in the Javelin with 11m 89cm and was 5th B-string. Shot –Beatriz completed her busy day in the throws with 8m 55cm for 5th A-string. Joy Larinde threw 5m 88cm and was 5th B-string. Discus - Isla Barron continued her day of throws with 15m 09cm and was 6th A-string. Teammate Phoebe Edmondson threw a PB of 11m 80cm and was 5th in the B competition. 

Jumps

Long jump –Remi Salako (4m 99cm) jumped close to 5m for 2nd in the A-string. Tyleah Edwards (4m 54cm PB) jumped for the first time this season and was 3rd B-string. High jump –Faye Owers (1m 35cm) equalled her PB and was 6th A-string. Phoebe Whelan jumped 1m 30cm and was 5th B-string. The Girls high jump is very competitive this season. Dominated by Blackheath’s UK No.2 ranked Alessia Scala (1m 68cm) and top 10 UK ranked Winchester duo Esme Buchanan (1m 61cm) and Poppy Crook (1m 60cm). 

Pole Vault

Marissa Higgs-Smith equalled her PB with a clearance of 2m 20cm and was 2nd in the A-string competition. Phoebe Whelan set an outdoor PB with 2m 10cm and was 2nd in the B-string event. 

Sprints

100m –Shalom Prince (12.18s) ran superbly to win the A-string. Shalom is currently ranked 4th in the UK. Evanna Eze also ran superbly, equalling her PB (12.58s) to win the B-string. 200m – Evanna (25.6s) and Shalom (25.83s PB) doubled up in the 200m and won the A and B-string races, thus securing maximum points for Woodford. 300m –Isabella Moulton (43.49s) ran a PB and was 4th in the A-string. Habiba Tijani ran superbly (43.91s PB) and was 4th B-string. Both girls are still learning to race this distance and improving all the time. 

Hurdles (75mH)

Isabella Moulton hated the outside lane draw but had a clear run (11.82s) and was 3rd A-String. Tyleah Edwards (13.62) was 6th B-string, but only a fraction of a second outside her PB. The Girl’s hurdles is another strong event this year, with lots of quality junior hurdlers in both the A and B-string races. 

Middle Distance

800m – Jasmine Hall (2min 38s) continued her track comeback and was 5th A-string. Faye Owers equalled her outdoor PB (2mins 33s) and looked confident for 2nd B-string. 1500m –Isla Fulling (5mins 03s PB) looked very strong and is having an impressive track season. She was 3rd in the A-string. Sophia Parker (5mins 27s) was 5th B-string and continues to learn her craft over this distance as a lower age group runner. 

Relays

Woodford’s 4x100m team (Shantay Charles, Joy Larinde, Remi Salako & Evanna Eze) ran superbly (50.13s) to take victory ahead of Blackheath (UK No.5 rank). Woodford’s 4x300m (Faith Franklin, Isabella Moulton, Habiba Tijani & Shalom Prince) also ran well (2mins 55s) and finished second just behind Blackheath’s quartet.

Woodford U15 Girls give the result a thumbs up!

U13 Boys

Throws

Shot - Nathaniel Sandy, in his first season at the club, threw an incredible 10m 77cm to win the A-string. This was a new club record! Harrison Dawe, who held the record briefly, also threw well (9m 80cm) to win the B-string and secure maximum points for Woodford. Javelin - Oskar Prince produced a good throw of 22m 83cm and was 3rd A-string. Team mate Eric Frith threw 19m 73cm for 3rd B-string. Both boys are more at home on the track, but progressing well in multi events and contributing significant points for the team.

Jumps

Long Jump – Blake Edwards (4m 67cm) continued his excellent form and was 2nd A-string. Nathaniel Sandy jumped for the first time and excelled with a leap of 4m 39cm to win the B-string. Nathaniel was worried about his legs for the relays that followed,  but the points gained in long jump were crucial!

High Jump – Blake Edwards set a new club record (outdoors) with a huge jump of 1m 60cm to win the A-string and is UK No.1 ranked (outdoors). Eric Frith jumped for the first time this season, clearing 1m 20cm and was 4th B-string.

Sprints

75m – Nathaniel Sandy (9.75s) powered his way to victory in the A-string and currently ranks 4th in UK. Harrison Dawe (9.68s) was given his first run in the 75m and he did not disappoint with a time that ranked him 5th in the UK. Harrison won the B-string, securing maximum points for Woodford. 150m– Harrison Dawe doubled up to win the A-string with a time (18.90s) that ranks him 3rd in the UK. Blake Edwards ran a PB (20.85s) and was 3rd B-String.

Harrison Dawe turns on the style in the U13 75m

Hurdles (75mH)

Aarav Patel (13.69) had a good clear run and was 2nd A-string in a very close race. Oskar Prince ran a PB (13.76s) and won the B-string in only his second competitive hurdles race. 

Middle Distance

800m – Oskar Prince (2min 28s) equalled his PB and continued his fine day with 3rd A-string. Ashton Jokhiya (2mins 39), in his first season at the club, is quickly learning how to race, and he was 4th B-string. 1200m –Eric Frith (4mins) was 2 seconds outside his PB and was 4th in the A-string. Teammate William Smith made his club debut (4mins 03s) and was 4th in a closely contested B-string race.

Relays

Woodford’s 4x100m team (Aarav Patel, Nathaniel Sandy, Ethan Rawlings & Harrison Dawe) ran superbly (52.58s) to take victory ahead of Havering, and they are ranked 2nd in UK in 2024.

U13 Girls

Throws

Shot – Claudia Berrios-Garcia (7m 70cm PB) had a great debut and was 3rd A-string. Eden Dunnage (7m 34cm) also threw a PB and was 3rd in the B-string. Javelin –Isabelle Stander threw 21m 32cm and was 3rd A-string. Isabelle has been outstanding for the team this season, and was well supported by teammate Gracie Fayinka who threw a PB of 17m 07cm (PB) for 3rd in the B-string competition. 

Jumps

Long Jump – Rida Oluwan (3m 82cm) was just a few cm short of her PB and was 4thin the A-string. Aoife Pearce (3m 69cm) jumped a PB and was 2nd in B-string. In this event, a jump of 4m+ could secure victory and both these girls are capable of reaching that distance. High Jump – Eva Prince was inspired, jumping a huge PB of 1m 30cm. Eva has only taken up the event in recent months and showed real determination in a good competition. Eva was 2nd in the A-string. Eden Dunnage jumped a PB height of 1m 15cm and was 3rd B-string. Eden shows potential to go a lot higher and will be practising in the weeks ahead. 

Sprints

75m – Rida Oluwa (10.46) ran a PB and was 2nd in a quality A-string race with teammate Dorcas Oringa (10.56s) also running a PB and winning the B-string. 150m – Rida (20.47s) doubled up and looked superb, holding her form well into the line to win the A-string. Dorcas (20.41s) also doubled up and ran superbly to win the B-string, securing maximum points for Woodford.

Hurdles (75mH)

Eden Dunnage (12.66s) had a clear run and was 4th A-string. Training partner Rosie Anderson (15.03s) was 6th in the B-string and as she continues to learn how to convert her flat speed over the hurdles she will go faster!

Middle Distance

800m – Eva Prince (2min 37s) was 2 seconds off her PB, finishing 4th in A-string. This was despite hurting her back in the HJ. Grace Cherry (2mins 46s) was also 2 seconds off her PB and took a nail-biting 2nd in the B-string race. 1200m –Gracie Fayinka (4mins 14s) ran a PB and was 3rd in a strong A-string race. Teammate Maia Lalani (4mins 37s) continues to improve and ran a PB to finish 6thin the B-string.

U13 Girls under starters orders in the 1200m

Relays

Woodford’s 4x100m team (Kehanique Lowe, Dorcas Oringa, Rosie Anderson & Rida Oluwa) finished second (55.98s) in a fantastic race behind winners Winchester & District. 

Summary

The lower age group team came together superbly in their third and penultimate fixture. The team are still developing and the atmosphere and encouragement they receive as a team is helping them all move forwards! Thanks to all the parents for getting the athletes to the fixture and the coaches and team managers for the hours of preparation to get the team to this point. With a place at the National final secured, all eyes are on the final fixture at Tonbridge (Sunday July 21st) and dreams of Woodford becoming premiership champions!