THERE were outstanding performances from a host of local athletes as Essex boys and girls joined forces to claim the under-15 championship trophy with 104 points at at the South of England inter-counties match at Abingdon.

The match was held jointly with the under-20 age group and Southend AC's Greensward College, Hockley, hurdler James McLean played a starring role in the success.

His achievements continue to read like a fairytale. James travelled back from a family holiday in Cornwall the day before the event, hadn't run or trained for two weeks, got up early on the morning of the match to travel to Abingdon, and then smashed the championship best with 10.88s in the first heat of the 80m hurdles.

Although it was wind assisted it was an amazing time. Just to prove it was no fluke he won the final in 11.10 - again inside the old championship best.

McLean obviously enjoys this match and venue as last year he recorded the fastest ever time as a 13-year-old.