NEWHAM & ESSEX BEAGLES senior ladies side began their season with a fifth-placed finish at the Division Three UKWAL meeting at Mayesbrook Park in Dagenham. As with all teams, problems mounted for the managers during the week before, and the disappointm

NEWHAM & ESSEX BEAGLES senior ladies' side began their season with a fifth-placed finish at the Division Three UKWAL meeting at Mayesbrook Park in Dagenham.

As with all teams, problems mounted for the managers during the week before, and the disappointment of missing some athletes was made up for by the effort and team spirit by those who were there.

This was best typified by Adele Stach-Kavitz, who although a veteran and the only middle-distance runner available on the day, ran the A string 800m, 1500m and 3000m to earn valuable points for the team.

The day started well with Amanda Ranger claiming fourth in the A long jump with 5.67, while Julia Machin was second in the B long jump with 5.36m.

The pole vault saw Melissa Strevens equal her club record of 2.80m for fifth place and in the B string, Kelly Montgomery leapt 2.30m to finish equal third.

The hammer saw the pairing of Paula Peaty come second with 42.77m and Jo Bennett finish third with 35.90m.

The first track race of the day saw Stach-Kavitz run the 800m in 2.49.73 for seventh place, which was followed by Tope Faith Nuga's second place in the 100m A-race in 12.56 and Susannah Banjo winning the B event in 12.56.

The 400m saw Ashleigh Williams come seventh in 59.86 and Rochelle Jones fifth in 1.07.45.

In the A 100m hurdles, Kelly Montgomery was sixth in 18.92.

The pairing of Sue Lawrence and Charisse Tapang enjoyed success in the discus as Lawrence was fourth with 35.25m and Charisse Tapang came second in the B event with 32.47m.

In the A javelin, Hayley Thomas came second with 41.70m and Sue Lawrence was second in the B event with 29.48m.

Beagles kept clocking up points with Jo Bennett second in the shot, throwing 12.36m and Sue Lawrence fourth with 10.70m.

Stach-Kavitz then completed the 3,000m for sixth in 11.51.75, while the triple jump saw Amanda Ranger finish second with 12.31m and Kirsty Smith win the B event in 11.26m.

Stach-Kavitz then also completed the 1,500m in eighth place, registering 5.43.51.

Susannah Banjo continued the side's excellent efforts, earning third place in the A 200m, while the last field event saw Julia Machin win the high jump after clearing 1.75m.

The 4x100 saw Leandra Polius, Amanda Ranger, Rochelle Jones, and Susannah Banjo place fourth in 50.12.