Welsh Indoor Championships
Newport Harriers 

The Under 20 and Under 17 Junior championships saw Newport's young talent on show once more. There were several medallists and more importantly, three gold and one championship best performance.

Jacob Matthews opened his account in the shot with a new Record which was good enough to win, although he equalled the old record with his final throw to complete an excellent series, and a much deserved gold. Tom Kivell lead for the whole competition as well, but had to improve on his opening 6.60 to win it with his 2nd attempt by a mere 4cm in a much tighter long jump event. Tom also took the silver in the triple jump, but was disappointed with his performance after setting such high standards in the Grand Prix. Bridgid Eades dominated the ladies 400m event in both the heats and the final, winning the final by a clear 2 seconds.

Newport's other medallists came in the field as well, apart from Lauren Reilly's silver in the 60m Hurdles. Lewis Jones improved his PB quite significantly for 3rd in the shot, whilst Micheal Payne just got the better of team mate Ashley Jones to snatch the long jump bronze. Ashley did better in his favoured event, taking the silver in the high jump.

11th February

The Junior championship events were strewn throughout the calendar this year, which gave to opportunity for doubling up. Elliot Hardee went for a double at 1500 & 3000. The first leg was on the 11th which saw Elliot romp away with the race, taking full control by mid way and running out winner by over 15 seconds. The 1500 would have to wait. Elder brother Nathan was also involved in a very close 3000m race, the athletes were never far apart all race and at the finish Nathan had to settle for 2nd place by a mere 0.21 seconds.

Daniel Chesworth was also on form, winning his 800m heat in fine style and then going on to reproduce that form in the final with another clear win.

22nd March NIAC

Similarly the 1500m events were held over until March and included in the relays event. This played right into Elliot Hardee's hands, having fully recovered from his previous victory, there was only ever going to be one winner in this race. It was an emphatic win by almost 8 seconds which is bordering on indecent over 1500m. Fellow Harrier Chris Carpanini was ableto hold on to 5th place in the tight finish when the pack crossed the line.