Having earned a place in the semi-final of the BAL Golden Jubilee Cup for the first time after winning the opening round last month, Southend AC were not looking so much for a win as for the experience of this level of competition and to enjoy the day at the Thames Valley Centre, Eton.
Every event - with one athlete - was covered despite the fact that there were only seven women.
The standard of athletics was clearly much higher than many of the team had previously been used to and it was exciting to see them brush shoulders with many internationals, including some Olympians.
In the end the team proved that they were not daunted by the occasion as they very much proudly held their own and finished a very respectable fourth place out of eight.
The first two places went to top British League clubs and this was another step up the ladder for Southend.
Published Friday July 23, 2004
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