BASILDON Athletics Club overwhelmed the opposition in the last Eastern Young Athletic League match to book their place in the top six final.

A well-supported squad was dispatched to Bedford and Basildon sealed top spot by notching 759 points.

The New Towners finished more than 100 points ahead of nearest challengers Thurrock.

The result allowed Basildon to overtake Chelmsford in the standings and they will now compete in the top six final next month, much to the delight of club chairman Steve Reynolds.

Reynolds said: “It has been a wonderful season for our club at county, regional and national level.

“Our young athletes showed how hard they are working and that is producing outstanding results.

“I want to extend my congratulations to our athletes and their coaches for yet another amazing victory.

“It is really pleasing to see all their efforts come to fruition in competition and that is what our club is all about, the development and advancement of our athletes at every level.”

The youngsters, ranging from the under-13 to under-17 age groups, were in red hot form in sweltering conditions.

And Basildon have now sealed their place in the division’s top six sides.

The competition started with 26 teams, but the New Towners will now go head-to-head with Ipswich, Norwich, Shaftesbury, Barnet, Havering and Dacorum & Tring in the top six final, with the winners claiming the overall championship.

A number of medals were won by the up-and-coming Basildon members in Bedford.

Gold medals were claimed by under-13 boys competitors Theo Anoma, Charlie Harland-Dornan, Sam Riley, Harry Lewis, Reggie Lucas-Merry, Harry Lewis, Bobby Williams and Frank Lewis.

Carissa Baxter, Jessica Barber and Zoe Gregory were also in first place in their respective under-13 girls events.

Under-15 boys Michael Onilogbe, Charlie Dale, Theo Baker, Josh Agar, Noah Miller and Simon Hill also won gold, along with the 4x100m relay team.

The under-15 girls were in impressive form, with Queen Tanimowo, Millie Ambrose, Sophie Nugent, Abigail Ives, Madison Harris, Freya Seymour, Holly Newman, Chloe Dornan, Harriette Mortlock, Jessica Turner and the 4x100m relay team coming out on top.

Jamie Rashbrook was a double gold medallist, while fellow under-17 competitors Cameron Ellis, Oliver Cooper, Jess Walker, Joey Awala, Lottie Hinson and Amelia Daniel also triumphed.