West Norfolk AC rounded off their Southern Athletics League (SAL) campaign in style, fielding their strongest team of the year for the fourth and final fixture of the season.
In a boost to the athletes, the team was cheered on by British Olympian Charlie Dobson, who took time to meet and inspire the squad before heading off to compete at the World Championships in Tokyo.
His presence set the tone for what proved to be a day of impressive performances across the board.
The fixture saw three club members make their SAL debuts.
Senior athlete Mitchell Bunn stormed to victory in the 5000m, clocking 16:03 in his first-ever track race over the distance.
Running almost entirely solo at the front and battling strong crosswinds, his performance was one of the day’s standout moments.
Meanwhile, Ed Murray (U20) impressed in both the 800m and 1500m, posting strong times of 2:09.9 and 4:32.88, respectively. Daisy May (U17) made a brave debut, tackling both the 400m and 800m just an hour apart.
She produced a fine 800m in 2:47 before sprinting to the line in the 400m to record 74 seconds.
It was also a memorable day for Hanley Angell, who finally broke the elusive 60-second barrier in the 400m, crossing in 59.63 despite battling gusty conditions down the home straight.
He added further points with runs in the 1500m (5:13.09) and 2000m steeplechase (8:29).
Alongside him, Henry Gosnell (U17) lowered his steeplechase PB to 7:23.14 and recorded 4.70m in the long jump despite taking off the wrong foot.
In the sprints, Cameron Ross (T20) recorded 14.43 for 100m and 30.66 for 200m, while also jumping 4.42m in the long jump.
Thomas O’Neill clocked 13.0 in the 100m and impressed in the javelin with 36.21m into a stiff headwind. Fellow U17 Thomas Green ran 12.29 for 100m and 26.15 for 200m.
Veteran Adam Howard had a busy day, contesting the throws while also completing the 5000m in 19:46.3 despite carrying an injury.
His best result came in the javelin with 31.85m, supported by marks in the shot (6.47m), discus (19.82m) and hammer (16.66m).
The women also shone.
Hannah Greenhalgh produced a fine 2:29.13 in the 800m, while U17 Isla Jackson won the triple jump with 10.57m.
Another U17, Anya Faithorn, claimed a huge PB in the shot with 7.40m for third place, threw 24.54m in the javelin, and completed a busy day with a 200m in 30.45.
Senior Lucy Edwards, making her comeback from injury, contributed across several events including 100m, discus (14.82m), javelin (14.37m) and long jump (4.63m).
Jen Gosnell added further points in the throws with 5.58m in the shot and 15.37m in the discus.
The squad was well supported by officials Stuart Ross, Rachael Greenhalgh and John Greenhalgh, alongside travelling supporters who ensured the team spirit was strong throughout.
Attention now turns to the indoor season and the annual club championships, before cross country action takes centre stage in the winter months.
