COACH Julie Alexander has saluted Wiltshire duo Jenna Blundell and Rory Howorth after impressive performances at the ESAA South West Schools’ Combined Events Championships in Exeter.

Hilperton’s Howorth, 13, finished first in the junior boys’ event after a standout final run in the 800m, which he won to secure the title.

After a hotly-contested high jump and a disappointing result in the hurdles it was all down to the final event to claim a victory.

“Rory was a little frustrated after the hurdles the first event of the day as he was hoping for a personal best, but there were a few inexperienced athletes hitting hurdles and he lost focus towards the end of the race,’’ said Team Bath coach Alexander.

“However he put that behind him and achieved personal bests in the following three events, shot, long jump and high jump.

Going into the last event he was 171 points off the lead and needed to finish 15 seconds ahead of his opponent but the St Augustine’s pupil managed to finish 19 seconds ahead to wrap up victory.

Bradford on Avon’s Blundell finished third in the intermediate girls competition, with fine performances in 80m hurdles and the 200m in which she set a new best.

Alexander added: “Jenna was the only one to run under 12 seconds (in the hurdles), her PB is 11.83, since April she has managed to increase her score by 216.”

“Her aim now is to finish in the top four of the ESAA National Combined event which is being held in Exeter later on this year.’’ Blundell is currently the seventh highest points scorer in the country.

Alexander said: “All of the scores are in and she is currently seventh. The person in fourth is currently on 4601 and Jenna is on 4534, they will all be trying to improve over the summer.

“I’m immensely proud. The one thing that impresses me is the focus and dedication they show but the most important thing is to keep them healthy and injury free.”