NESTL Rowntree Athletics Club snatched joint second place in their opening National Junior Athletic League match of the season at Huntington Stadium in great style.

The 4 x 400 metres relay team broke the club record in the last event.

That meant that York joined Border Harriers in joint second place behind runaway winners City of Edinburgh.

Richard Buck, Rowntree's 16-year-old 400m star, clocked 50.2 seconds to earn the man of the match award, medal and T-shirt, which was presented by club chairman Gordon Priestley on behalf of Athletics Weekly magazine.

Buck is coached by his grandfather, Geoff Barrowclough, who was a noted York runner.

Lewis Papa won the 400m 'B' string race in 51.1 seconds. Events were held at Under-20 and U17 level.

Other Rowntree wins in the men's team came from Michael Holmes (800m), Andy Allsopp and Natham Forrest (javelin) and William Steel who won the hammer by nearly ten metres.

Despite being a first year Under-17 thrower Joel Lancaster came second in the hammer, shot and discus.

Rowntree's women's team continued their good form from last season to finish a point behind winners Border Harriers.

Rowntree victories in the women's events at Under-20 and U17 level went to Jessica Taylor (100m), Nicola Lampard and Nina Griffith (both 1500m), Emma Willits and Lauren Mason (both 3000m), Louise Bonnie and Jenna Strain (both 400 hurdles), Jessica Taylor and Rebecca Coates (both long jump), Ashia Hibbert and Jenna Strain (both triple jump) and the 4 x 100m relay team.

About 100 athletes, all aged under 20, took part in the competition, at which the petition to save the athletics track at Huntington Stadium attracted about 200 more signatures.

Men: City of Edinburgh 209pts, Nestl Rowntree 151, Border Harriers 151, Houghton and Peterlee 129, Pitreavie 108.

Women: Border Harriers 196pts, Nestl Rowntree 195, Houghton and Peterlee 117, Pitreavie 75, City of Edinburgh 60.

Updated: 11:56 Thursday, May 01, 2003