Aycliffe Juniors athletes have enjoyed a remarkable run of success across regional and county competitions, delivering personal bests, championship titles, and national level recognition. Their performances across the NEGP meeting, Durham County Schools’ Championships, Inter Counties Championships and English Schools have showcased both individual excellence and collective strength.
NEGP Athletics Competition – Monkton Stadium
Aycliffe Juniors opened their strong run of results at the NEGP meeting with a series of standout performances.
In the Under 18 Women’s 100m, Elizabeth Rose Clay produced a composed sprint into a challenging –2.2 headwind, clocking 12.62 seconds to win her age category.
Middle distance runner Persephone May Risbey impressed in her first competitive mile, running a personal best of 5:37.44 in a high quality field.
The evening also delivered a superb debut from Iwo Socha, who threw 9.84 metres in the Under 20 Men’s Shot Put (6kg). His first ever athletics competition ended with a personal best and first place, marking an outstanding introduction to the sport.
Durham County Schools’ Track & Field Championships
Aycliffe Juniors continued their momentum at the Durham County Schools’ Championships.
Seffie dominated the Inter Girls 3000m, taking control early and securing the county title with a commanding run.
In the Senior Girls 100m, Lizzie delivered a sharp, powerful sprint to claim gold and the county crown. Maisie showed strength and consistency in the Inter Girls 200m, progressing through heats and finishing second in the final. Charlotte made a blistering start in the Inter Girls 100m before an injury at 60m forced her to ease off, though she showed real determination to finish.
Meanwhile, Bridget produced a clean series in the Triple Jump at York University, earning a strong fourth place.
These results earned Seffie, Lizzie, and Maisie selection for the Northern Schools’ Inter County Championships.
Inter Counties School Championships – Hexham
Aycliffe Juniors athletes again rose to the occasion at the Inter Counties Championships.
Maisie battled tough headwinds in the Inter Girls 200m, finishing just outside her personal best after a committed run. In the Inter Girls 3000m, Persephone took the lead early, opened a comfortable gap, and powered home to become Inter Counties Champion.
Elizabeth added another title to her season with victory in the Senior Girls 100m, securing the sprint crown.
Following these performances, Elizabeth was selected for the English Schools Championships, a major milestone and well deserved recognition of her season’s achievements. Persephone also awaits confirmation on potential county selection.
English Schools Championships – Senior Girls’ 100m & Mixed Relay
A brilliant performance from Elizabeth capped off her season at the English Schools Championships. In a very fast Senior Girls’ 100m heat, she delivered a superb race in tough conditions, running a personal best under the hot sun. Against 29 of the best sprinters in the country, she finished 19th in the UK — a fantastic achievement at this level.
She also competed in the mixed relay, joining a sharp and well drilled team. The whole Durham squad rallied behind them, creating a brilliant atmosphere of support and pride.
A great weekend, great racing, and a performance she can build on.
Aycliffe Juniors Triumph at CDAN Outdoor Championships
Aycliffe Juniors rounded off their run of competitions with a superb all round performance to secure first place at the CDAN Outdoor Championships — the first time the club has lifted the trophy.
Across all four events, every junior stepped up with strong, determined performances, contributing vital points and showcasing real team spirit. Their collective effort proved decisive, putting Aycliffe firmly at the top of the standings.
Individual Medal Winners
• Sammy Ashmore (U10)
• Noah Farrell (U14)
• Persephone May Risbey (U16)
A huge well done to all athletes for their hard work, commitment, and brilliant results.