SEVERAL new recruits gained valuable experience for New Forest Juniors in the opening Wessex Young Athletes' meet of the season at wet and windy Poole.

But, predictably, it was the club's more familiar names that produced the day's outstanding performances.

Hayley Pointer continued to impress with a runaway win in the under-17 women's 800 metres, clocking two minutes, 21.3 seconds, while fellow under-17 Charlotte Bates took the 1500m honours in 5.12.8.

Tiffany Markham looked home and dry in the under-15 girls' hurdles before taking a nasty fall, but she soon atoned for any disappointment by topping the shot with an 8.43 put.

Stacey Parsons headed the under-15 girls' B long jump with 4.07 and Gemma Knell dispelled any early season nerves with a fine 1200m win of 2.21.3.

All-rounder Hayley Platt turned her attentions to winning the B 100m in 15.2 seconds. Remarkably, her sprint triumph came just a couple of weeks after running nearly four kilometres for the club in the AAA Road Relays at Birmingham.

Queen of the newcomers was Emily Fosberg, who celebrated her first competition by winning the B long jump with 3.85.

Match result: Team Southampton 503, Marlborough Juniors 502, Poole 479, Bournemouth 340, New Forest Juniors 239, Weymouth 219, Stubbington Green 14.

Parents of children in the New Forest schools district interested in athletics can contact Tim Wilding on 023 8084 8914 for more information.