A brave group of competitors from South Pembrokeshire Hunt Branch of the Pony Club recently braved the cold weather and snow to take part in the first of the area winter triathlons which this year was held in Newcastle Emlyn.
The series takes place over three months and the competition involves shooting, swimming and running attracting well over 80 competitors from across area 18.
This month's event was however extremely tough as the ground was frozen solid which made running conditions extremely difficult for all the competitors.
Competing for the first time in the senior girls (over 15 years) competition was 15 year old Alice Simon. The move from juniors to seniors is a big step, and this year the senior class was particularly large with some strong competition. Despite this, Alice did extremely well recording some very promising scores in all disciplines to come an impressive sixth overall.
Bea Meyrick and Harriet Morgan were once again competing in the junior girls class (12-15 years). Both girls recorded very good scores in the shoot and swim, and Harriet was unlucky to just miss out on the rosettes in seventh place, whilst Bea Bea came a very creditable third overall.
Edward and Charlie Andrews, Jack Goldsworthy Spuffard and Fred Meyrick were competing in the Minimus Boys Class (eight-12 years). Unfortunately, Edward has been unable to attend shooting practices and so despite recording an excellent run he finished just outside the rosettes. Fred and Charlie's shooting practice however paid off with both recording very good scores in all disciplines to come fourth and sixth respectively.
Meanwhile Jack started 2009 as he finished 2008 by winning the class and also being awarded best shoot, best swim and best run. Congratulations Jack on another excellent result.
Finally, competing in the minimus girls class (eight-12 years) were Nicole Elsdon, and Anna and Emma Morgan . This was eight-year-old Emma's first area triathlon and although her shoot was disappointing, she recorded a personal best in the swim and a good run to make a very promising start to the series.
Meanwhile, in the largest class of the competition Nicole and Anna battled it out for first place! Nicole won the shoot with Anna coming a close second, Anna won the swim and Nicole won the run. As a result Nicole came first and Anna second overall. Well done girls.