ATHLETICS: WEST Cheshire AC won the opening round of the Northern Seniors' Track and Field League Division Three West match at Stanney Oaks, Ellesmere Port.

The club's men and ladies squads combined to give West Cheshire AC a successful start to their campaign.

Debutant sprinter Stephen Butterfield celebrated a fine double in the 100m (11.3 seconds) and 200m (22.9), where he was joined by Mark Hearn who finished second in the 100m

(12.0) and first in the 200m (24.2). Dave McKay (53.65m) and Andrew Gore (35.01m) powered the purple-vested club to maximum points from the javelin competition. And John Manning (6.19m) and Carl Van Schie (5.54m) teamed up to score maximum points in the long jump event.

Charlotte Roach spearheaded the WCAC ladies to success after posting 2:17.9 for victory in the 800m.

Heather McLintock recorded 19.9 seconds for success in the B 100m hurdles.

Debutant thrower Kelly Roberts (36.15m) and Amanda Gore (25.58m) powered the club to victory in the hammer competition.

And Kelly (29.89m) then partnered Lauren Hunt (32.16m) to a double celebration in the discus event.

Tricia Jackson added valuable points from a B high jump success (1.30m), before the club concluded a memorable opening to their campaign.

Neston High were crowned overall champions of this year's West Cheshire AC Schools' Track and Field Cup at Stanney Oaks, Ellesmere Port.

Fixtures this weekend include West Cheshire AC travelling to the first round of the National Young Athletes' Track and Field League at Deeside Stadium, Connah's Quay, on Sunday.