HARLOW based middle distance runners Ben Hellmers and Richard Mead were in fine form for Essex Beagles in the Hertfordshire Schools Track and Field Championships in Watford at the weekend.

Hellmers, 16, took the senior boys 3000m title, after an impressive last lap saw his efforts pay off with a new personal best time of 9min and 20sec.

Mead, 15, was also in fine form to claim a silver in the 1500m, being pipped for gold in the final straight, although he still registered a personal best time of 4min 26sec.

The Essex Championships at Chelmsford saw Leah Brookes gain fifth spot in the girls 1500m race, clocking a below par 5min 08sec, while Phillipa Haines took the same position in the Junior Girls 800m, in 2min 28sec.

June 20, 2002 15:30