Between 210 and 220 competitors came from locations including Tamworth, Quirindi, Gunnedah, Manilla, Moree, Inverell, Glen Innes, Narrabri and Armidale for the annual junior athletics carnival.

The conditions were such that Saturday’s proceedings concluded a little earlier than planned before Sunday’s schedule began earlier than what was originally expected.

New England zone coordinator Russell Scott said it was a “very successful two days in terms of running smoothly” although “the weather was against us”.

Many athletes nonetheless recorded personal best times.

“It was a happy carnival,” Scott said.

The zone championships were the first step on the representative ladder for all athletes from under 7s to under 17s.

Whilst the zone championships were the highest level for under 7s, the top four achievers in each event in the other age groups earned the right to take part in the regional titles at Lismore in late January.

The regionals meanwhile were the highest level for under 8s, while the older groups would qualify for State championships if they gained a top-two placing at regionals.

Each of the competing clubs had their contingent of competitors who made it to the next stage based on results at the zone championships.

Scott noted that many of the athletes had encountered each other in the past and were therefore familiar with each other, whether it be in school sport or in events such as the zone championships.

Whilst rivalries could often come out of such situations, Scott was quick to say that it also enabled friendships to form and develop.

A lot of events featured a number of competitors from one club. One of the 100m sprints involved just two athletes, with Tamworth’s Laura Sadler winning while another Tamworth competitor, Bridie Martin, was the runner-up.

Scott was full of praise for the Gunnedah Little Athletics Centre in terms of its role and contribution as hosts.

Scott also said the team of officials from the New England zone did very well along with the volunteers, while he also offered big thanks to the Gunnedah Shire Council for its contributions.

Scott alluded to the council’s preparation of the arena, including marking the track, as well as “liaising with us”.

“They were very good to work with,” Scott said.

Results from the zone championships will be available at www.lansw.com.au