The Avon Schools' Under-13 boys' team produced a magnificent performance to come within nine points of winning the UK Sportshall title at the NEC in Birmingham.

Competing against 11 other regional UK winners, Avon finished runners-up to Birmingham.

"It was a brilliant effort," said delighted team manager Dave Turner.

Josh Evans (Cotham) became a double UK champion as he took the 4-lap title in 46.4secs, improving from 47.7secs in his heat. He then joined up with Calum Hannay (Backwell) to take the 8-lap pairs relay.

Josh Hook (St Mary Redcliffe) improved his personal best in the triple jump to 7.16m to win bronze.

Hook then ran the first leg in the 4x1 lap relay in heroic fashion to cover for late injury withdrawal Jake Garnett.

Adam Davies (Cotham) and Lewis Quance (Redland Green) were immense in the 4x1 lap relay and the 4x2 lap relay, which enabled both teams to take silver medals. Also in the relay squads were Michael Gardiner and James Lawrence.

Quance later improved his long jump PB to 2.38m to finish fourth.

James Lawrence (Worle) had a great day as he took home another two silver medals in the vertical jump (60cms), the 2-lap race (21.5secs) and was also eighth in the high jump (1.38m).

Other medals were taken by Luke Lorenzi in the speed bounce (PB of 83).

After training on Weston beach all week, Joe Smith(Worle) was magnificent in the shot and improved in each throw to record 10.99m for third.

Gareth Davies (Beechen Cliff) had his best run of the year in the 6-lap race to finish in the top half of the field with 1m21.8secs.

"The result was all the more remarkable because of the withdrawal of sprinter Jake Garnett with a heel injury, which forced a reshuffle," added Turner. "Every team member and the supporting team of parents and helpers played their part and almost achieved the perfect result. It was a great effort."

The Under-15 boys' challenge was undermined by an injury to South West individual champion Callum Court, who suffered an ankle injury during the first event of the day and had to drop out.

Under-15 boys: 1 Surrey 1310; 5 Avon 953. Under 13 boys: 1 Birmingham 1383; 2 Avon 1374; 3 West Yorkshire 1125.

Under-15 girls: 1 Birmingham 1328; 7 Avon 921.

Under-13 girls: 1 Birmingham 1257; 9 Avon 983.