'ANOTHER fantastic day in Tavistock' was how Matt Hodgson from Bude Rats Running Club described his experience at the latest Devon Open Series track and field meeting held on June 7.

Athletics is certainly on the way up with growing numbers participating in all age groups and the second Series meeting was testimony of this with 288 athletes competing including more than 80 from host club Tavistock AC.

They travelled from all parts of Devon, and beyond, to compete in near perfect conditions on the track at Tavistock College. As well as the large Tavistock contingent, North Devon, Plymouth, Exeter, Newton Abbot and Torbay were also well represented. The large crowd camped around the track were witness to some fine performances from some of the best athletes in the South West.

One of the highlights was the men's 2,000m steeplechase race which had been included in the programme at short notice. Will Battershill from Erme Valley Harriers was attempting to achieve a world standard in the U17 men's category and with the help of a strong field he broke away over the last two laps to get inside his target with four seconds to spare — a truly world class performance!

There was further delight for Tavistock AC when the points tally was finalised, as the club now sit at the top of the Devon club's league table after overhauling North Devon AC, who led after the first fixture at Braunton in April.