London Youth Games: Havering cheer fine third-place finish

Havering youngsters are celebrating after finishing third overall in the 2023 London Youth Games.

Haringey claimed the Jubilee Trophy with a grand total of 1,007 points ahead of Richmond (1,001) and Havering (939).

And the efforts of the borough’s children have been praised by organisers.

“This is the highest Havering has come in many years to the Jubilee Trophy and we should be so proud of every single team that entered LYG this year,” said borough sports development officer Abbigail Boath.

“This is due to the hard work and dedication of team managers and the athletes from around the borough.”

Havering came out on top in the female athletics competition, as well as the male swimming and combined tennis event.

Lee Duncan, tennis team manager, added: “The Havering Tennis Team were in smashing form from start to finish, winning 34 out of their 36 matches across the qualification and finals weekends at the London Youth Games.

“In the final they all held their nerve to see off a strong Bexley team and win gold! Well done to Kyla Eves, Aimee Connolly, Harry Cossington and Luke Benjamin for a fantastic competition and deserved champions!”

Havering also won silver in female judo and swimming, team badminton and aquathlon, with top-five finishes in team archery, male hockey, female cricket and para athletics.

“The quality of the judoka this year was fantastic to see,” said judo team manager Mark Cliff.

“They all fought with pride and passion, in very competitive groups. It was an excellent effort from both groups but especially the girls who took the silver medal overall on the day.”

Year eight Campion pupil Bode Thompson was delighted to win high jump silver with a clearance of 1.65m and got to meet Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, who competed in the London Youth Games herself.

Netball manager Viv Allaway added: “We were disappointed not to get into the top section but a lot of our squad were young and inexperienced.

“Next year they will be available again so hopefully will go further in the competition. They all gave 100 per cent and I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Havering results: 1 Athletics Female; 1 Swimming Male; 1 Tennis M&F; 2 Judo Female; 2 Team Badminton M&F; 2 Swimming Female; 2 Aquathlon M&F; 4 Cross Country Male; 4 Archery M&F; 4 Hockey Male; 5 Cricket Female; 5 Para Athletics Female; 6 Cross Country Female; 6 Athletics Male; 7 Cricket Male; 7 Road Cycling M&F; 9 Para Football Female; 9 Para Football Male; 9 Table Tennis Female; 10 Basketball Female; 11 Hockey Female; 13 Para Athletics Male; 13 Football Female; 16 Judo Male; 16 Netball Female; 17 Basketball Male; 17 Table Tennis Male.

Liberty Trophy, final standings (24 events unless stated): Haringey 1007; Richmond 1001; Havering 939; Bromley 936; Wandsworth 926; Hackney 912; Ealing 863; Greenwich 849; Redbridge 845; Lewisham 841; Merton 826; Enfield 815; Kingston-upon-Thames 784; Tower Hamlets 767 (23); Islington 758; Lambeth 747; Hammersmith & Fulham 735; Newham 717; Waltham Forest 693; Hillingdon 684 (23); City of Westminster 671 (23); Camden 651 (23); Bexley 634 (21); Hounslow 609 (18); Kensington & Chelsea 519 (22); Barnet 462 (16); Croydon 432 (11); Harrow 428 (15); Southwark 333 (10); Brent 310 (12); Barking & Dagenham 277 (7); Sutton 176 (7); City of London 163 (7).