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Ennis is impressive on familiar territory with hurdles victory at EIS
Jessica Ennis began the Olympic year with her best start to a season at the McCain Indoor City Challenge in Sheffield.
The London 2012 gold medal hopeful in the heptathlon clocked 8.05 seconds to win the 60m hurdles at the English Institute of Sport.
The 26-year-old followed that up with a 6.19m leap in the long jump, which was good enough for second.
Ennis, last year’s World Championship silver medallist, said: “It is very local to me and easy to come along.
“I train here (at the EIS) all the time, so it’s a great opportunity to come and blow off the cobwebs at the beginning of the indoor season and just start quite locally,” said Ennis.
Ennis’s hurdles victory, late in the competition, lifted Sheffield Flames, who came through strongly to beat defending champions North London Lions, who had led for much of the afternoon.
Former World Championship finalist Marilyn Okoro was also in action and won the 800m in two minutes 4.29 secs.
“It was so nice to have good winter training – injury free – so I’m really really happy and I really appreciate everyone who has supported me,” she said.
Earlier in the long jump Ennis was upstaged by Abigail Irozoru, of Manchester Warriors. Ennis opened with 6.19 before Irozoru responded with a superb 6.30, a mark that added 10cm to her previous best. Neither athlete was able to improve on their opening distance.
Northern champion Louise Bloor was in top form for the Sheffield Flames with a win in the 200m in 24.27.
A poor start in the 60m cost her a possible double but she finished runner-up to Annabelle Lewis (Newcastle) in 7.47 to score valuable points.
In the field events Luke Cutts (5.25) won the pole vault for Sheffield 5.25 who rounded off the day with victory in the medley relay.
The competition is decided over two matches, the second in London next month.
The Dewsbury 10K was called off late on Saturday afternoon due to the weather conditions.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
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