ATHLETICS: A depleted Harriers team finished fourth in their Southern Athletics League match at Cambridge.

Michael Shortall was the star performer, winning the 400m hurdles in 57.7s, as well as racking up points in events including the 110m hurdles (second, 16.1s) and the long jump where he won the B-string to add to Dan George’s win in the A-string.

Ben Gibb won the 100m (11.1s) and did his bit for the team by covering a string of events including getting a PB in the hammer of 27.83m.

Joe Winn cleared 1.80m despite having an injured toe to win the high jump, with George also winning the B-string.

Other notable performances came from Nigel Instance – who was second in his competitive debut in the javelin B-string – and debutant Luke Strudwick, who finished third in the 800m and second in the B 400m hurdles.

Adam Dowman and Don Lawless earned good points in the 3,000m steeplechase while Jack Farmer’s 200m in 24.1s was an encouraging effort.

In the ladies section, winners were Gemma Holloway and Anna Stancombe who took maximum points in the 400m, both running PBs. Another double came with Sue Lawrence (who also won the javelin) and Maddy Cannell in the discus.

The club's other winner was Lucy Howes who competed long and hard in other events but won the high jump with 1.48m.

At the Great Baddow 10 on Sunday, Thurrock Harriers’ Toni Noble ran well to finish the 11th lady in 75m 51s.

To view a full selection of pictures and video of Gemma Holloway’s 800m win at the Essex Championships, go to www.thurrockgazette.co.uk/sport