THERE were mixed fortunes for the WSEH athletes selected to competed at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

It was left to the final days of the Games before club athletes made their mark. Morgan Lake emerged as a medal winner, taking silver in the high jump with 1.93m - just short of her best.

Lake said: “It is my first championship medal and it’s silver. I’m definitely happy with that.

“I’ve been feeling in really good shape so I passed to 1.97m as I thought I had nothing to lose. I had a good last attempt at it.

“It’s a bit bitter-sweet as I was in the lead going into the last jump, but I can’t be disappointed with silver.

“Although the height was not quite what I wanted it to be, I feel I competed well. I was comfortable in the environment which gives me confidence for the future.

“I’m back into a big block of training now, heading into the Europeans.”

Another WSEH member to medal was Maidenhead resident Ellie Rayer, though this time it was via another sport. She secured a bronze award participating in the England Hockey team that finished in third position.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Rachel Wallader finished in a creditable sixth position in the shot.

Taylor Campbell, from Slough, finished fifth in the hammer throw final and said: “It was nice to be in a medal position for a few rounds. I tried to respond in the last round but I didn’t quite get it.

"After my earlier fails in the second and third rounds, it would have felt nice, but at the minute I’m still very early on in my throwing this season.

"It’s a bit frustrating, but I tried to give it my all. For my first senior experience, it’s bittersweet. I didn’t blow out and do awfully, but there’s still more to come.

“I know if I was to have medalled, it would have been good, but I was happy with my opener.

"I didn’t make the technical adjustments I needed, but it's still early doors and I’m still getting used to things. You have to think long term.

"The guys that beat me here have been to the Olympics, and for me it’s the first taste of a multi-sport Games.

"I tried to prepare myself the best I could, but it’s one of things. It depends what happens on the day. I’m looking forward to the season now.

“There’s big throws in there. There’s no reason why I can’t personal best soon. Every competition I learn more about my technique and I’ve just got to be patient with it all.”

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Shelayna Oskan-Clarke (white vest) was an early casulty in the heats of the 800m.

Rachel Wallader made the final of the shot, finishing in a creditable sixth position with a throw of 17.48m.

She said: “I wanted more. Training had been indicating a lot more than that but I just couldn’t quite get the feeling.

I gave it the best I could and saved my better throws for the later rounds which was pleasing.

“I’m not used to competing two days after one another. I tried to prepare as best I can without tiring myself out, but there’s only so much you can prepare for.

“I would like to be hitting the 18-metre mark by the end of the year. It is going to be a long old season but it’s very early still.”

Wallader, from Stourbridge, threw 17.20m in the shot qualification and said afterwards: “Ideally I would have got it done on the first throw but it just took a couple to get it going.

“In the last two weeks I’ve had my best sessions in about two years. I’m feeling really positive ahead of the final.”

Shelayna Oskan-Clarke went into the Games as UK 800m champion and thus a serious medal prospect. However, her form deserted her and she was an early casualty in the heats.

Oskan-Clarke finished in third position in 2:00.81 but did not qualify for the final.

She said: “I’m really disappointed. I will need to watch it back to analyse it with my coach.”

Ben Reynolds was the first WSEH athlete to appear but progressed no further than the heats of the 110m hurdles.

The trip started badly for Ashley Bryant and Jacob Paul – selected to compete in the decathlon and 400m hurdles respectively.

Both injured themselves during pre-competition training and had to withdraw from the team.

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