SWINDON Harriers made an emphatic start to the track and field campaign when they took second place in a Southern League Division Two West meeting at their own track.

Although the early start to the season meant the men and women's teams were missing a number of key athletes, a good turnout and spirited performances by athletes multi-eventing, meant Harriers were only just pipped for top spot.

In rainy, blustery and cold conditons, Poole took the win on 212 with Swindon just behind on 207, while Plymouth were a distant third on 158.

The ladies’ team was headed by the redoubtable Vickey Bass and she threw the hammer mightily, coming second before winning her section of the triple jump and gathering points in the 1500m.

Wins also came from Lucy Doughty (800m), Kate Jacobs (1500m), Val Gibbons (shot put), Beth Large (discus) and Morgan Gascoigne Gascoigne's constantly improving form in the long and triple jump saw her maintain her position as the region's top lateral jumper. She then went on to take silver with a nonchalant 8.26m in the under 20 shot put.

Meanwhile, Sally Ludlow continued her recent improvement with a personal best in her long jump group.

A number of new athletes had successful first outings in the black-and-white vest and Bass said: “I am very proud of my team of athletes, even the new ones entered the spirit of competition from the outset, something to look forward to at the next match.”

The club's men put in an equally muscular effort with Andy Fulford dominant in the steeplechase and just being beaten for gold in the 400m hurdles.

Chris Reade took gold in the 400m and silver in the 1500m while constantly improving lateral jumper Will Baker leapt to victory in the long and silver in the triple.

Stalwart Nick Walker - always in amongst the silverware - won the pole vault and scooped silver in the hammer.

At a time of the season when personal bests are as important as wins, Harriers’ men had their fair share with Ciaran Cooper, Simon Byrne, Matthew Raymond, Jack Fawcett and Oliver Cook all posting benchmarks.

A club spokesman said: “A solid overall performance, liberally sprinkled with some outstanding performances by a committed squad of athletes, bodes well for the rest of the season.

“Swindon Harriers has tremendous club spirit and when coupled with a full turnout by the squad, it has few rivals in its league.”