SOUTHAMPTON AC’s women made the most of home advantage in the UK Women’s Athletics League Division Two last weekend.

They won their second league match out of three at the Sports Centre to remain on course for immediate promotion back to Division One.

With eight teams competing, victories are always hard to come by, but Southampton’s sprint hurdlers took the challenge in their stride to secure an A/B double through Karla Drew (14.32 seconds) and Gemma Finch (15.90).

Sophie Merritt – still an under-20 - took care of the A-string shot put (13.57 metres) and B-string discus (40.06), while Freya Jones headed the A javelin (48.84) and Vicky Mould leapt to A triple jump glory (11.66).

A reliable back-up cast of consistent top-four performers secured Southampton a comfortable victory ahead of second-placed Sale Harriers to keep them top of the league.

Match result: Southampton 231, Sale Harriers Manchester 212, Milton Keynes 175, Bedford & County 172.5, City of Glasgow 158, Herts Phoenix 154.5, Havering 152, City of Liverpool 131.