Radley sprinter Ben Owen got off to a flying start as the track and field season kicked off in earnest at the Radley Open on Saturday.
The traditional club curtain-raiser attracted hundreds of athletes from across the south of England, and there were some promising early-season performances from some of the county’s leading lights.
Owen edged an exciting 100m in a photo-finish, clocking 11.4secs.
In the senior women’s competition, Radley’s Tara Kafke posted a convincing win in the 100m in 12.4 and doubled up with victory in the 200m, clocking 25.7.
Lauren Tolmie won the 800m in 2.25.6, with Kafke showing her all-round ability by finishing third in 2.31.2.
In the veterans’ competition, Radley’s Alastair Duncan clocked 12.5 in winning the 100m.
His clubmate Philip Davies was victorious in the 200m (29.4).
Oxford City’s Rob Webster posted an impressive 2.12.5 in the 800m.
Kay Reynolds posted a sprint double in the women’s event, clocking 12.7 in the 100m and 26.1 in the 200m.
The junior competition attracted a large number of athletes, with the host club particularly well-represented.
In the under 11 boys’ competition, White Horse Harriers’ Ryan Craze won the 80m in 12.3, while in the 150m, clubmate TJ McClimont eased home in 23.3.
Chiltern’s Will Perkin won the 600m in 1.53.7.
Tom Bosher (Bicester) clocked 21.1 to win the under 13 boys’ 150m, while Radley’s David O’Hara and Jacob Walton finished first and second respectively in the javelin with throws of 18.56m and 17.11m.
Oxford City’s Simi Fajemisin won her heat of the under 13 girls’ 80m in 11.8 with Chloe Craze (White Horse Harriers) triumphing in her race in 11.5.
Megan Humphreys (Radley) clocked 4.08.7 to win the 1200m, while in the 600m, Oxford City’s Beth Mulvany edged a thrilling battle with Rose Hill School’s Rebecca Bidwell to win in 1.57.5.
Jordan Dorrian had a outstanding day in the under 15 boys’ competition.
He won the 100m in 12.5, and then added victory in the long jump, when he sailed out to 5.20m.
Dorrian completed a hat-trick of victories as he clocked 25.4 in the 200m.
In the under 17 girls’ competition, Oxford City’s Rebecca Hussey broke a long-standing club record on her way to winning the 300m.
The 15-year-old mark of 43.03secs was obliterated by Hussey, who clocked an impressive 41.2 for a convincing victory in a race which she led from start to finish.
Hussey completed a good day as she clocked 26.3 to win the 200m.
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