Women’s long-jump winner Aimee Palmer splashes down in the pit. (0631943)

A TOTAL of 10 all-comers’ records were broken during a day of high quality athletics at yesterday’s 2008 Blue Islands British Challenge Cup.

And it was Woodford Green with Essex Ladies who were celebrating at the end of the meeting as they finished ahead of British Athletics League Premiership rivals Sale Harriers and the Channel Islands Athletics Club to hold on to the trophy they last won in 2006.

It was a shame that there was not more of a crowd at a wintry Foote’s Lane to watch the event, as about 200 people braved the elements. But that did not seem to bother Gladys Bird, the Woodford’s team manager.

‘To retain it from two years ago, I’m very pleased indeed,’ she said. ‘It was tough today. Sale put up a good fight and they didn’t make it easy for us.

‘It’s such a good and relaxed competition. We love this island and we love the competition because it’s a fun competition.’