Relay thrills and, not in this case, spills. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0791753)

APPALLING  weather conditions did not put off the 300 plus youngsters who competed in the  annual Junior Schools athletics championships.

The wind and the rain made conditions difficult but could not dampen the enthusiasm and competitive spirit for the youngsters ranging from Years 3 to 6.

Of particular merit were the hurdles events which, as Dale Garland pointed out to the crowd, is always a difficult event in the rain.

The Year 6 boys’ hurdles event was a classic as James Browning just beat Cameron Hantonne in a very fast race.

Garland was especially impressed with the technical ability of both runners and presented the athlete of the night award to Browning for his efforts.

The Year 5 girls’ hurdles race was another close finish with Kyra Gooaverts just coming home in first place. The Year 6 girls’ race was won by Jade Gauvain and Will Thompson carried on in his winning ways from the individual championships the week before by easily winning the Year 5 boys’ event.