SOUTHAMPTON City had a lot of junior athletes unavailable for their opening Southern Women's League Division 2 match of the season at Luton, but those who did compete put in some special performances to help the club to overall second place.

Michelle Hallett ran her heart out to clock a personal best of two minutes 33.2 seconds in her first 800 metres of the year and also accumulated points in the long and high jumps.

Eli Probert was admirably relaxed winning the shot and discus with pbs of 7.43 and 20.92 metres and Jodie Bowers has taken over from older sister Lucy in the junior middle distance department, finishing second in the 1500m in 5.05.9.

For the seniors, Kessia Sherliker looked a class above the rest in winning the 200 metres in 25.6 secs and throwers Coralie Hancock and Amber Spencer produced solid performances in the field.

Jenny Dew underlined her worth to the team by winning the high jump and B pole vault and taking points in the javelin and long jump. "She is one lady we cannot do without. She scored a massive 15 points," said team manager Pete Wareing.

Unfortunately for Southampton, they can expect a poor turnout for their next match. The trip to Croydon is scheduled for FA Cup Final day, May 17! Wareing said: "Quite a few of our athletes have said they may be unavailable, but we must try and build on a good start.

"It could make all the difference to our season. The threat of relegation was with us all last season and it would be a shame to let it drift away as it can so easily do."

Match result: Luton United 194, Southampton City 176, N Devon 155, Brighton & Hove 118, Ipswich 85.