After the recent Sale Open, the arrival of the Northern Championships was going to be a significant test for the two youngest members of Team Bartram.

Lydia Randles and Marnie Wells-Nicholls have been working hard through the gruelling winter training sessions.  With two Sale Open meetings under their belts and a clutch of lifetime bests already, they were on their marks and ready to go! Lydia cruised through the 1^st round of the U17W 60mh with a new lifetime best

and was all set for a battle against her closest rival and friend  Olivia Montez-Brown  in the final as Lydia had beaten Olivia the week before at the Sale Open.

However, the final was not the result Lydia would have wanted! After making a fantastic start, she clipped the 2^nd hurdle and didn't complete the race and unfortunately her day was over. Very disappointed, but dignified in defeat, Lydia congratulated Olivia, and went away to evaluate the race.

Marnie was competing only for the 3^rd time at U20W 60mh, although she is only 15 years old. Having competed in a couple of Sale Opens it was clear the u20w 60mh was going to be Marnie's target. So her 1^st Championships at U20 was very daunting as the field was strong and there were athletes 3 years older than Marnie. From the start it was a close run race with Marnie being edged into 4^th place. This on her 1^st major competition at this age group was a fantastic achievement which she enhanced by running a massive lifetime best.

So, full of  confidence. Marnie went into the long jump competition at her own age group of U17 hoping for a medal finish. It looked like a perfect weekend for the new Sale Harrier - after round 1 she was in the lead, which she managed to keep through round 2. Round 3 saw the pack catch her up and in round 4 and 5 her closest rivals were putting in a big effort. In the final round Marnie managed to pull a jump out of the bag and guaranteed   herself 3rd place and a bronze medal.  Overall a very satisfying weekend - Well done to you both!!

Lydia and Marnie are now training for the 3AAA's in Birmingham and the Combined Events competition in Sheffield. (By Les Randles LIMI)