Simpson returns in great shape

Athletics Whangarei's Melissa Simpson made an impressive return to form in her first track outing since undergoing a knee operation late last year.
Competing for Northland at Sunday's interprovincial meet for athletes 18 years and under, at Porritt Park, Hamilton, Simpson gave a gutsy performance in the Girls' 16-17 years 1500m.
Taking the lead from the start, Simpson - who won bronze at last year's New Zealand Championships G16 1500m - pushed the pace, only fading slightly in the last lap to finish second to Aucklander Amy Shaw, but comfortably inside the qualifying mark required to compete in the NZ Championships this year.
In the G14-15 1500m, Tayla Going ran strongly, holding her place in a talented field, also meeting the qualifying standard for the NZ Championships.
Kaitaia's E J Nathan, who gave a glimpse of his natural talent with record throws in last year's Northland Inter-Secondary School Championships, easily won the 16 Boys' shot, discus and javelin.
Riana Phillips added to the superb performances by the Northland representatives, striding around the 400m track in the G15 event, recording an excellent 62.75 seconds and still having enough spring in her legs to leap to third place in the high jump.
Riana's coach, Chris Portch, was very pleased with the positive showing.
"A commanding performance, imperious," he said.
Other standouts included Josh Brown, second in the B16 long jump, and Kyle Trott, third in B15 long jump.