May 2, 2001 14:05: Croydon Harriers women's teams opened their account in two leagues last weekend, with varying degrees of success.

A fourth place of five teams on Saturday in their Southern League Division Three match at Battersea was a disappointment, but several outstanding performances gave rise for hope in the matches to follow.

Croydon athletes dominated the long jump. Joanna Trotman (5.56) and Azaria Francis (5.07) were senior winners, with Rosemary Garnett (4.52) and Simone Walker (4.11) taking the junior honours.

Belinda Heil did sterling service in the throws. She won the hammer 43.19, and placed second in the discus, shot and javelin. Hanna Munns cleared 2.30 for a welcome win in the pole vault.

The Harriers sprint relay team of Nicola Creary, Azaria Francis, Joanna, Trotman and Ada Nwosu won in fine style, clocking 51.7s.

Belinda Heil was in shining action again the following day when the club's junior (U20) team took a very encouraging third place in their Medway Division match at Ashford ahead of three other teams. She won all four throws - shot (11.30), discus (31.36) hammer (43.83) and javelin (28.05). Amy Dowsett, a U17 won the 100m on the dip in 13.3 sec and her pb of 26.8 sec in the 200m clinched second place.

Belinda Heil was deservedly nominated athlete of the match by the organisers.