DORSET Pentathletes kicked off the new season with the Dorset Biathlon at the Osprey Leisure Centre on Portland.

The club’s members competed for their individual clubs and schools with points being awarded for both the run and the swim.

Each competitor’s points for the two elements were then added together to determine the overall winners.

The conditions were ideal for running and there were some fine performances, which continued on to the pool where several athletes went close to their personal best times.

The winners in the various age groups were: 10-and-under girls: Molly Northmore (Dinninton SC).

10-and-under boys: Freddie Pryce (Castle Court).

12-and-under girls: Georgia Harrison (Haymoor Middle, Poole SC).

12-and-under boys: Callum Mullins (Salway Ash).

14-and-under girls: Flora Johnson (St Osmund’s, West Dorset Warriors).

14-and-under boys: Harrison Yarnold (Exeter School).

16-and-under girls: Rebecca Bowles (Grython School).

16-and-under boys: Oscar Esposti (Bournemouth School) 18-and-under girls: Olivia Esposti (Bournemouth Girls School).

Masters women: Linda Chitty.

Masters men: Richard Bowles.

The competition also had a school team section and a club team category.

St Osmund’s once again won the former while the latter was decided through the best five scores from all the age groups.

There was also a category to determine to the top girls’ team and the top boys’ team.

The outcome was as follows: Top club team: 1 Yeovil SC, 2 West Dorset Warriors, 3 Tri Purbeck.

Top girls’ team: 1 West Dorset Warriors, 2 Weymouth SC.

Top boys’ team: 1 Yeovil, 2 West Dorset Warriors.

From the results of this event, Dorset Pentathletes will now pick teams for the South West Biathlon Championships, which will take place at Millfield School on March 17.

And should the teams and individuals do well in that competition, they will then move on to the National finals at Sutton Coldfield on May 13.

Dorset Pentathletes has been top club for the last five years at the National Biathlon and hope to retain this honour once again.

Meanwhile, the first race of the British Biathle Series will be at Taunton School on March 31. Anyone else interested in taking part in these events should contact Mick Flaherty (see below). The Dorset coach said: “The effort and enthusiasm put in by the athletes at the Dorset Biathlon was excellent with everyone giving their best effort.

“It was also good to see lots of athletes coming along to take part in their first biathlon, with competitors of all abilities.

“We also had the complete novice coming along to have a go, competing alongside international biathletes.

“Like most events, it would not have been possible without the help of the parents and teachers, who bring the kids along, and especially the parents that officiate on the day.

“I would like to thank all those that helped and also show special appreciation to the Osprey Leisure Centre for the use of the facilities, and to Nigel Williams and his staff for all their hard work in regards to setting up the pool.”

Flaherty will also be organising various biathlons and training events over the coming year.

For further information email him at flaherty121@aol.com or send a letter to 121 Belgrave, Southill, Weymouth, DT4 9SN.