The yearly “Over the Border Challenge” Pony Club Triathlon took place at Annan Pool and athletics track on the 10th January 2016. This being the first competition of the year it was a tough one for the young athletes after the Christmas break. Organised by Susan Muir and Pauline Drysdale of Stewartry Pony Club, a team of willing and able parent and sibling helpers ensured the day run smoothly despite the water logged running pitches!
Results for our ‘Stewartry Pony Club’ members were very encouraging throughout the course of the day. Starting off with Open Girls Phoebe Drysdale won overall first place with a 4th in the shoot, a 5th in the run and super 1st place in the swim. Gemma Craig finished 4th overall in the same group, coming 3rd in the shoot, 4th in the run and 5th in the swim. Moving into this group for the first time was Eva Henkelmann. Eva coped well with the challenges of shooting from 10mtrs and running the 1500mtrs coming in a respectable 9th place in the run.
Moving up to Juniors this year are Amelia Craig and Gemma Caygill, in the biggest class of competitors. Despite this the girls were up for the challenge with Amelia Craig finishing in an overall 6th place, 7th in the shoot, 2nd in her 1500mtr run and 9th swim. Gemma Caygill had a decent run and came in 14th in the swim.
Imogen Hannay and Jenna Henkelmann took part in the Mini Girls group both girls had a positive day with Imogen coming in 13th in the run and Jenna placed 10th with a strong swim. Charlie Caygill took part in the Mini Mini Boys group, with a terrific day he finished in 3rd place overall with a 6th in the shoot, 1st in the 1000mtr run and 6th in the pool. Also in that age group in a much bigger mini mini class Kirstina Campbell represented the club. Kristina is growing in confidence and her shooting practice paid off gaining her a first place with a 6th run, and 8th swim finishing up a fantastic 5th place overall.
Setting the pace for the Intro Competition was young Oliver Campbell. This group are not old enough to shoot as yet so they throw a bean bag onto a target. Oliver was 2nd in the bean bag, 1st in his 500 metre run and 2nd swim overall gaining a superb 1st place. Jasmine McCulloch also competed well placed 6th overall, 3rd in the bean bag throw, 5th run and 14th swim. Finlay Campbell came along to try the competition as a taster and enjoyed the bean bag throw gaining a rosette for 6th place.
The ‘Stewartry Pony Club’ Tetrathlon mums and children, along with ‘The Stewartry Fencing Club’ sold their home baking throughout the day raising £99.20 for the Fencing Club funds. This is a big help towards equipment and expenses towards running the club.
‘The next triathlon competition is at ‘Grangemouth Sports Stadium’ on the 7th February. This is a qualifier for the ‘National Mutual Tetrathlon Championships’ at ‘Stantonbury Leisure Centre,’ Milton Keynes on 13th March.’
Photo (left to right); rear – Gemma Caygill, Amelia Craig, Imogen Hannay, Phoebe Drysdale and Gemma Caygill
Photo (left to right); front – Charlie Caygill, Kristina Campbell, Jasmine McCulloch and Oliver Campbell
