Following a break of nearly seven months the Southern Athletics League returned with the first fixture at the Charlton Athletics Track.

Following recent investment by Test Valley Borough Council the refurbished facility witnessed a number of impressive performances.

Following a successful season last year the combined Andover/Overton Harriers team wanted to secure a strong start in a very strong position and despite the fixture falling on Easter weekend the majority of athletes made themselves available which made a huge difference both on the track and in the field.

One of the highlights was seeing the women’s 4x100m relay team dominate with slick and well practiced changes culminating in a new club record of 51.6, beating Worthing by more than two seconds and nearly 40m.

Other notable performances included local international biathlete/triathlete Natalie Thomas who concentrated on her 3,000m to destroy the opposition and stop the clock in a huge new pb of 10.40.1 The bravery award goes to Cameron Neill who, despite never taking part in a sprint hurdles race, took up the challenge of the 110m sprint hurdles to help win valuable points for the team. Cameron proved to be a natural and won the B string race showing a superb technique. After a strong team performance the team were convincing winners and the next match takes place on May 17 in Swindon and sees the local side pitted against a number of high class teams from across the south including Tonbridge AC and Swindon Harriers AC.

On the field Keiran Nicholls secured two new personal bests in the triple jump and high jump and also his second furthest long jump ever.

Keiran is now looking forward to taking part in his first ever multi-event competition in May.

Final result: Andover/Overton 196 , Woking 176, Worthing 153, Team Dorset 143.