THE South West Schools biathlon took place at Millfield School in Somerset. For the first time, West Devon schools were well represented in a competition which combines a pool swim with a 1,000m track run. West Devon schools had some great results in a strong event organised by the Modern Pentathlon Association. From Tavistock College Laura Aspen took second place in year nine. Hannah Ball from Callington College came 10th in year eight and from St Joseph's School Amy Marks from year seven came 25th and Kate Marks of year five came 28th. Sue Marks, also from St Joseph's, was second in the teachers' race. Laura Aspen, William Carter and Reece Worth have all qualified for the national finals in Bath next year. Laura also gained a medal for fastest runner in her age group. These athletes, along with the rest of the Zest Youth Triathlon group at Kelly College, are now preparing for next year's South West Aquathlon/Triathlon series. Tavistock Community Primary School achieved a first last week when they fielded a biathlon team in the regional schools biathlon competition. Competing against the hosts, Kelly College, and five other schools from the region, Tavistock was the only state primary school competing. The three competitors, Reece Worth, William Carter and Rhys Merriott, all Year Six pupils, are all members of the Tavistock based 'Zest' club. This is a triathlon club run by Paul Chinn and caters for a broad age range. The boys' training paid off, as they did incredibly well. They beat Kelly, Clayesmore School, Millfield and Elmhurst, coming second overall, behind St Osmund's Middle School. In their age groups Will Carter came second overall and Reece Worth third with Rhys Merriott finishing 16th. Will is now going to represent the school and the region in the national finals in Bath next year. Reece Worth is unable to attend, due to his commitments to Plymouth Leander Swimming club. Pete Freedman from Total Fitness, Bath, left Tavistock Primary School in 1995 and now competes as a full-time trio-athlete.
