Nick Nieland, Shaftesbury Barnet's javelin star, was succcessful for England in his first outdoor competition in Olympic year, the Loughborough International 'Road to Sydney' meeting on Sunday. His throw of 78.48m, left him well clear of S Faben (Belgrave), 72.57m and Shaftesbury's world junior champion David Parker (72.40m), representing Loughborough.

Four years ago, Nieland represented Britain in the Atlanta Olympics. But, having attained a qualifying distance of 83m in winning the AAA title, he failed to repeat the form in the Games. However, he'll be encouraged by his good early season effort as he prepares for Sydney.

Nieland and Parker represent England in a field events international at Halle, Germany, this weekend.

Shaftesbury's exciting 17-year-old pole vault prospect Ellie Spain, representing Great Britain U20s, again performed well to take third place. England's Janine Whitlock was the winner with 4,01m, with Alison Davies and Spain both clearing 3.61m.

Several Shaftesbury athletes performed well in the invitiaitons events. Abi Oyetipan was second in the 100m in 11.71 sec, behind Sam Davies (Birchfield), 11.63secs.

In the high jump, Lee McConnell (Loughb orough) was second and club colleague Dalia Mikneviciute (England) was third, both with 1.84m, behind S Jones(Great Britain students), 1.87m.

Hammer thrower Lynne Sprules continued her good form when third with 60.98m.

Stepping up to 400m Shanie Anderson was second in 55.42secs, behind D Higgings (Cardiff), 53.87secs.

In the men's 1,500m, Shaftesbury's G Price was second in 3mins 52.04secs, behind A MacLean (Team Solent), 3mins 46.42secs.