THE return to the British Athletic League Premier Division after six years proved a tough ask for WSEH Athletics Club on Saturday.

Despite a national record and a club record, plus a host of personal bests (pb) from the WSEH athletes, the standard of competition was such that the young team had to settle for seventh place.

Amongst the top clubs in the country, WSEH recorded a total of 212 points to finish behind winners Birchfield Harriers (331). Woodford Green (300) and Newham & Essex Beagles (290) filled the podium positions.

The opening field event raised hopes for a win for Taylor Campbell with a throw of 69.69m. Jake Norris, 16, set a new UK Age Record in the senior hammer when he finished third in the B-string with an excellent 61.70m.

The exuberance was short-lived though as Jacob Paul won the opening track event in a new club record of 50.20 (seconds). The WSEH B-string runner failed to appear thus valuable points were lost.

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Further disaster struck in the 100m where WSEH international Deji Tobais false started when a victory was anticipated.

The 18-year-old Moore twins shared the duty in the 800m races, both recording pbs. Adam was sixth in the A-race in 1:54.56 and Blake fourth in the B-event in 1:55.85.

Another WSEH Under-20 athlete, Matt Bradley, also set a pb when finishing seventh in the 3,000m steeplechase in 9:53.53.

Meanwhile, in the field, another WSEH U20 star, Sam Challis, equalled his pb in the long jump with 6.54m for seventh place.

Michael Louise was third in the B-string 110m hurdles with a new pb of 16.16.

The high jump was disrupted due to a serious injury to one of the competitors, necessitating an ambulance call. Russell Waterson cleared 1.95m for a new pb and third position in the B-string.

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Jacob Paul reappeared in the 400m to secure fifth place with 47.84 and equal his pb.

Back on the field, the pole vault saw valuable points lost when Euan Bryden failed to clear a height.

There was an excellent run from Alex Tovey in the 1,500m, crossing the line in second place in 3:52.91.

The triple jump also boosted the WSEH points tally with a fine second place from Jonny Sawyers with 15.36m.

The late field events saw Norris sixth in the B-string discus on 33.58m for a new pb with the senior implement. His excellent afternoon continued in the javelin with yet another pb of 47.41m for seventh place.

In the 4x400m relay, Alex Haydock-Wilson, Rory Graham-Watson and Peter Moreno kept WSEH in the frame before a blistering leg by international runner Nigel Levine saw the local team finish a close third in 3:13.99.