Tim AshIt was a very windy Bedford International Stadium that hosted the England Athletics Aviva U23 and U20 Track and Field Championships over the weekend in which a contingent of City of Norwich AC athletes tested themselves against England's best younger generation athletes.Tim Ash

It was a very windy Bedford International Stadium that hosted the England Athletics Aviva U23 and U20 Track and Field Championships over the weekend in which a contingent of City of Norwich AC athletes tested themselves against England's best younger generation athletes.

Rick Ward, competing in the U23 800m after comfortably negotiating his heat, was confident about his chances in the final. As is often the case these days it proved to be a tactical affair with the competitors relying on their kick over the latter part of the race. On this occasion, Ward, renowned for his fast finish, didn't quite cover the break for home and had to be content with securing bronze in a time of 1:53.00.

Tommy Carroll, a surprise finalist, was placed seventh in a time of 1min 53:7.

U23 competitor Rachel Stringer in only her second 800m race of the season displayed an improving competitive edge and was pleased to secure a bronze medal in a modest time, by her standards, of 2:09.29. Hollie Rowland contested the U23 5,000m and found it to be a tough call but as always stuck to her task to finish in a creditable fourth place in 17:16.74.

Ashley Harrell tackled the U23 3,000m steeplechase in which he was less than satisfied to finish in sixth position in a time of 9:22.47.

James Senior took on the U20 3,000m steeplechase but sadly came to grief when placed third with a spectacular fall at the water jump that forced his withdrawal from the race.

Mitch Goose cruised through his heat in the U23 1,500m in a time of 3:50.92secs but was very disappointed with his below performance in the final.

With a best of 44m 96 to her credit, U20 javelin thrower Stephanie Burt was another to feel the pangs of disappointment when she was eliminated from the competition after three throws.

At the weekend the UKA European Track and Field Trials take place at the Alexandra Stadium Birmingham.

For a number of the city club athletes it will be a further test of their ability to compete at the highest level with Barbara Parker wanting to confirm her place in the Great Britain team for the European Championships over the 3,000m Steeplechase.