SUZANNE Platford, in her first year as a javelin thrower, produced a very creditable performance to finish in the top half of a field of 23 at the English Schools Championships held at the Alexandra Stadium in Birmingham.

The 14-year-old overcame some early nerves to post a best throw of 27.77 metres, a distance that left her short of qualifying for the final stage of the event.

Ironically, the day before she had thrown over 30 metres to smash the Minster College record and had also set new records in both the high and long jump events during the sports day.

Hammer thrower Anna Robertson, aged 16, from St Mary's School, Lugwardine, also did well but could not finish among the top of the intermediate group.