Belgrave’s hopes of a third successive triumph in the Rosenheim League East Division were thwarted by a strong effort from Hercules Wimbledon in the third match of the season at Wimbledon Park last week.

Hercules threw down the gauntlet from the start as their Surrey long jump silver medallist Royden John took the sprint hurdles and then edged home in the 100m.

Belgrave javelin thrower James Everard contested all four field events, winning the high jump ahead of Hercules ace Steve Davies, taking second place in the discus behind Herne Hill’s Thomas Ashby, and placing third in the triple jump, won by Wimbledon’s Jimmy Saruchera. He was also fourth in the hammer.

Herne Hill’s Surrey champion Sammy Mensah took the 400m in a swift 49.2, while Hercules Wimbledon teenager Andrew Penney dominated the 1,500m, which he won by around 50m.

Match result: 1 Hercules Wimbledon 70; 2= Belgrave, HerneHill 65; 4 Serpentine 44; 5 Croydon Harriers 32; 6 Striders of Croydon 30; 7 South London Harriers 20.

Standings after three matches: 1 Belgrave 19.5; 2 Herne Hill 17.5; 3 Hercules Wimbledon 14; 4 Serpentine 12; 5 Croydon Harriers 10.5; 6 Striders of Croydon 7.5; 7 South London Harriers 3.

Although they supplied only one winner, Mary Davies, in the women’s match, Serpentine took the honours ahead of Belgrave.

Belgrave’s Jodie Flavell gained a double success in the 400m and high jump, while Herne Hill’s Julia Wedmore took the 1,500m.

Match result: 1 Serpentine 23; 2 Belgrave 20; 3 Striders of Croydon 14; 4 Herne Hill 13; 5 Croydon Harriers 10; 6 Hercules Wimbledon 4.

Standings after three matches: 1 Serpentine 21; 2 Striders of Croydon 16; 3 Croydon Harriers 14; 4 Belgrave 11; 5 Herne Hill 10; 6 Hercules Wimbledon 2.

The next match is being held at Tooting Bec on Wednesday (6.45pm).