WITH only a small boys' contingent to call on, New Forest Juniors were pegged back to fifth place in their opening Southern Electric Wessex Young Athletes' League fixture at Poole.

Even so, the sunny weather made for a great day's competition with several NFJ athletes recording personal bests.

Hardley's Charlotte Walsh carried the banner for the under-13 girls, winning the high jump (1.25 metres), finishing second in the 70m hurdles (14.0 seconds) and placing third in the 200m (31.2).

Carly Holder won the under-15 girls' A 100m (13.7) and was supported by a B-string success from Cassie Gear (13.2), who was running her first competitive race after injury.

Gear also contributed to a 4x200m relay success along with Hayley Pointer, Charlotte Marsden and Louise Goodchild.

Hounsdown's Hollie McManus was NFJ's star under-17 performer with two seconds in the 80m hurdles (12.7) and high jump (1.45), but she was pipped to fourth in an ultra-competitive 100m (12.9).

For the boys, Conner Power won both the under-15 80m hurdles (13.0) and 100m (12.6) and Alex Markham scored a 100m (12.0)/200m (24.5) double. Teammate Martin Hodge was second in the 100m (12.0) and first in the B 200m (25.1).

Parents of children within the New Forest Schools area interested in joining the club can get further information from Tim Wilding on 023 8084 8914.

Match result: Portsmouth 412, Poole 382, Southampton City 337, Team Kennett 334, New Forest Juniors 209, Exel Gosford 89.