Sat/Sun 15 & 16 Sept 2018, Bedford Preston Harriers had four representatives in the Combined Events national schools finals, two Inter boys Harvey Noble and Ethan Tibbs, and two Junior boys, Harry Burrow and Taylor Jacob. Whist Preston was cold and rainy, Bedford produced decent warm sunny conditions for the lads to perform in in this, the culmination of their season.
The under 17 (Inter boys) Octathlon began with the long jump, and the two Preston athletes had hugely contrasting performances that dictated the whole of their competitions. Harvey jumped a legal personal best with his first jump, and Ethan went even further, but had just nudged the plasticine – a no jump to start with. Harvey did not improve, and Ethan was under extreme pressure after a second foul. His third jump registered a legal distance, but from so far behind the board that his competition was effectively over before it had begun. Harvey continued to lie fifth overnight, and finished with over 4500 points – a 200-point pb _ in tenth place overall, whilst Ethan slowly progressed through the field from 40th after the first event to finish in 28th place.
In the Junior boys both boys had a cracking start in the hurdles, with Harry 7th and Taylor 4th. The two are close in performance across their five events, but with different strengths. They finished with Taylor in 20th just 20 points ahead of Harry, who pb’d in 21st place.
Congratulations to all four for the way they represented their county, region and club. Throughout the weekend they were a credit to all those associated with them.