In the end though, Bodell stole the day with 494 points, Bruce popped in second on 482 and Reece not too far behind achieved 472 points.

Seven age champions were determined: 12/13 year-old boy Ricky Weatherall, 12/13 year-old girl Carina Molyneux, 14/15 year-old boy Daniel Bolton, 14 year-old girl Penny Frizell, 15 year-old girl Kristina Kelly, 16/open boy Beau McKenzie, and 16/open girl Terri-Leigh Vermeer.

The secondary athletics carnival hosted nine events consisting of the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m runs, discus, shotput, javelin, high jump and long jump events.

Lightning Ridge Central School secondary sports co-ordinator Mark Thompson said 40 students, the top two in each event, had qualified to compete at the next level for the Castlereagh Zone to be held in Coonamble on Wednesday.

But he said while about 100 students participated, with the majority from the 12-year-old to 15-year-old age groups, it was more challenging this time around.

"Due to the poor condition of the ovals we had to relocate our athletics carnival to the horse track.

"It was a lot harder for the students to run on the track, not only because it was unfamiliar ground but also because it wasn't in the best condition either."

Despite this Mr Thompson said there were still good numbers entering into the 100m and 200m sprints, high jump and long jump, and javelin and discus events.

"The age champions were really good sports on the day and participated in nearly all events producing high results with many of them having received first and second places for everything they competed in.

"They performed well considering the circumstances," he said.