DORSET Pentathletes captured an incredible haul of 15 medals at the National Biathle Championships at Salford Quays in Manchester.

Mick Flaherty’s squad included 28 competitors and once again they took the tag of top team in the competition with seven national champions, which is four more than they secured the previous year.

The spectacle was also a selection event for the World Championships in Dubai, which will take place on October 30, with the top six in each group being selected to represent Great Britain.

The races kicked off with the girls and boys’ 10-and-under section, which included two 50m swims sandwiched between two 500m runs.

And Dorset got off to a great start with Alexander Hind coming first in a time of 5mins 39secs, followed by William Blackledge in second, Callum Mullins in fourth, and Tommo Curtis in ninth.

In the next race, the girls’ 12-and-under, the club enjoyed more success with Elizabeth Hood winning by an impressive 26 seconds in a time of 4mins 57secs, with Zoe Gowers coming home in fifth.

Then, in the boys’ 12-and-under, Dorset secured their best result of the day with a one-two-three with Harrison Yarnold capturing gold in 5mins 1sec ahead of silver-medallist Hugh Ireland and Jonathon Greenwood, who claimed bronze. Jacob Whittall also finished seventh.

Tom Mules then captured gold in the girls and boys’ 14-and-under race, which incorporated a 100m swim as well as two 500m runs.

The Tornadoes of South Dorset member won the boys’ section in 5mins 25secs with Jordon Symington and Oliver Mullins coming home in third and fifth respectively.

In the girls’ race, Victoria Halford grabbed a silver medal in 5mins 35secs with Danielle Bury claiming third just ahead of Rebecca Bowles in fourth.

The Masters’ section was the next to go in a race that included two 1,000m runs and a 100m swim.

Nick Ireland took gold in the men’s 40 plus in a time of 9mins 31secs, with Andy Whittall not far behind in the silver medal position. That was followed by the girls’ 16-and-under section, which also included two 1,000m runs but this time the swim was set at 200m.

Africa Mason was first home in a time of 11mins 2secs while in the boys’ equivalent Chris Perham had an excellent race to take silver in 9mins 56secs with Declan Callahan coming ninth.

The last race of the day with local interest saw Melissa Courtney take gold in 14mins 19secs and Tom Crew finish sixth in 14mins 35secs in the 18-and-under events. These races included two 1,500m runs and a 200m swim.

Richard Bowles also produced a great performance in the senior men’s race where he finished fourth.

Coach Flaherty said: “Once again, Dorset Pentahletes have dominated the British Championships, winning more medals than any other team, which is an excellent achievement for the athletes.

“The dedication and commitment the team has shown to training and racing has paid off, with 22 team members being selected for the British team for the World Championships in Dubai.

“Last year, we also had 22 athletes in the British team and to have the same number this year is an amazing feat considering all the big cities that we have to compete with.

“Credit also has to go to the younger members of the team who have shown lots of determination in their first year of biathle.”