Fair sex members of Southend Athletic Club got their new Southern Women's League season off to a winning start with victory at Parliament Hill.

They triumphed with 147 points in their Division Three North match, 32 ahead of nearest rivals Victoria Park and Tower Hamlets.

The victory sees them second overall in the table on 147 after one fixture with Barnet and District leading the way on 197.

Trudy McQuibban won the A high jump with 1.55m and took runners-up spot in triple jump with 10.24.

Danielle Hassell also cleared 1.55m for B high jump success.

Among the under-15s, Zoe Young enjoyed javelin glory with a throw of 25.22m.

Basildon, who compete in a far tougher Division One, were at Bedford and finished fifth and last on 121.5 points with Herne Hill Harriers winning on 199.

This tally put the new towners second from bottom among the 25 clubs after round one, with Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow tops on 129.

Basildon performances included: 100m A - 4, L Blaney (12.8); B - 4, H Nicholson (12.9) 800m A - 5, K Tydeman (2.24.8). 1,500m - 3, A Joel (4.46.9). Javelin - 2, T Keeling (30.24). Under-17: High jump A - 2, H Garnish (1.50).

It was a busy weekend for several of the younger members, who then went on to compete in Eastern Young Athletes League matches on Sunday.

Athletes face a busy time this weekend again. There is UKA Young Athletes League action -- with Southend hosting a match at Garon Park in Division Southern One East -- and Southern Men's League tomorrow.

On Monday it is the start of the three-day Essex County Championships at Chelmsford's Melbourne Park, with action continuing on Saturday and Sunday of the following weekend.

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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