HAVING recently won the South West of England title, Lauren Richards continued her impressive form by winning the Welsh indoor under-17s shot putt title in Cardiff.

Lauren got off to a poor start when both of her opening throws were marked as fouls.

The pressure was on to get a valid throw in round three as only the top eight would qualify for a further three throws. Instead of playing it safe she launched the shot out to 11m 28cms - which not only moved her into first place but set a new personal best and increased her own Severn AC record. She came under pressure during the remainder of the competition, but the 16-year-old Newent Community School pupil went out to 11m 10cm and 10m 91cms to win her second Welsh national title, having been under-13s champion in 2010.

For the full story, read The Forester.