The youngsters from Basildon AC consolidated their position at the top of the UK Young Athletes League Division One and enjoyed yet more success.

They and two other local rivals, Southend AC and Thurrock Harriers, travelled south to compete in the fourth round at Croydon Arena on Sunday.

They won the competition with an impressive points tally of 447 -- almost 100 clear of the host club Croydon Harriers, who scored 355 points.

Southend were third with 278 and Thurrock Harriers fourth with 141.

For the under-17 men, Gianni Frankis was a big points scorer with another winning grade one performance in the 100m hurdles (13.6s), a cruised 400m hurdles (58.3s), a second place in the B 200m (24.1s) and a good leg in the 4x100m relay.

Scott Phillips scored heavily with wins in the 800m (2m 00.5s), 1500m (4m19.3s), triple jump (11.25m) and 4x400m relay, Chris Phillips, was a winner of the A 400 (51.6s), was second in the long jump (5.20) and had the anchor role in the winning 4x400m squad.

In the field events, Danny Brown was first in the discus and B shot, plus second in the A hammer.

Also outstanding was Ben Clow, who came first in the B hammer; second A javelin, and Chris Lumm, who picked up maximum points in both B javelin and B long jump.

Another vital member was all-rounder Charlie Evans, who scored well in the high jump and won the B 100m hurdles, was second in the A discus and was in the victorious 4x400m relay squad.

Honourable mentions also for Tom Bavington (second in 100 and A 200 and 4x100m relay) and Lee Tydeman, who won the B 800m, was second in the B 400 and was the fourth member of the 4x 400m team.

Published Friday July 23, 2004

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