DORSET Pentathletes secured 16 medals in the second race of the British Biathle Series, held at Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland.

The run-swim-run event got underway with the 10-and-under section where several boys were taking part in their first-ever competitive outing.

Ryan Symington and Finn Tehane came second and third respectively, while Wiliam Baker finished fourth, which was an achievement repeated by Emily Jefferies in the girls’ race.

Rachael Jefferies claimed silver ahead of Emily Yapp in the 12-and-under category where Grace Copeland also finished fourth. Lucy Brain came fifth, Flora Johnson sixth, Zoe Gowers eighth, Sacha Kelly 12th and Eilis Martin 14th.

For the boys, Charlie Samouelle finished runner-up ahead of Christopher Hind in fourth, William Blackledge in sixth, Tom Boulton in seventh, and Callum Mullins in eighth.

The 14-and-under section was the next to go with Dorset showing their rivals a clean set of heels, with Elizabeth Hood claiming gold in 4mins 51secs ahead of Victoria Halford in second and Bethan Whittall in third. Rebecca Bowles came fourth, Mikayla Curtis eighth and Leanne Symington ninth.

Not to be outdone, the boys then followed up with a similar performance, with Harry Yarnold taking gold in 4mins 54secs, with the top three being completed by Oscar Esposti in second and Jordon Symington in third.

Harvey Tehane came fourth, Hugh Ireland fifth, James Mules sixth, Jacob Whittall seventh and Bradley Mullins 15th.

Nick Ireland then secured gold in the Masters event in a time of 8mins 52secs with Andy Whittall claiming silver ahead of Richard Gowers in fifth.

Chris Perham also finished top of the pile in the 16-and-under section before Africa Mason and Richard Bowles won the girls and boys’ races respectively in the 18-and-under category.

Dorset team coach Mick Flaherty said: “Once again the team had an impressive medal haul, winning six gold medals, six silver, and four bronze, which beat the tally from our first race at Millfield.

“There was also an excellent team spirit with everyone supporting each other and many thanks go to all the parents that helped with marshalling and officiating.

“A big thank you also goes to Nigel Williams and his staff at the Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland, whose help and support helped make the event such a great success.”

Flaherty went on to add: “The team is looking in good shape and if we keep performing the same way we should have a few British Series winners come the end of the season.”

The next race in the competition will take place at Greenhill, Weymouth on June 25, which will include the first open water swim of the series.

For information on training and how to get involved in biathle, contact Mick Flaherty at flaherty121@aol.com or go to the Dorset Pentathletes website at dorsetpentathletes.co.uk