HAUTE VALLEE pupil Jamie Stevenson was not at his shot putt throwing best yesterday, but he was still good enough to be crowned English Schools intermediate champion in the Gateshead International Stadium.

Stevenson (16), putt the shot 15.55m, nearly a metre under his personal best, to win his second national title by just one centimetre yesterday afternoon.

The U15 national champion at discus two years ago, Jersey Spartan AC’s towering throws star will now represent England against the national schools sides of Scotland, Wales, Ulster and Ireland in Grangemouth Edinburgh next weekend.

‘It’s great to win another gold,’ said Stevenson, ‘but I was far from happy with my throwing today.

My winning throw was number three of six and the Essex lad (Kareem Imbert) got to within one centimetre with his final throw.

But I’ve been given my England tracksuit for next weekend, so I’m happy enough!’ Olympic legend Daley Thompson, at Gateshead to hosting a series of ‘Future Champions’ seminars, was quick to praise Stevenson’s performance.

Thompson said: ‘The overall impression is that there is plenty of talent out there at schools level, and Jamie is one of those who impressed.

This bodes well for the future of athletics in this country up to the 2012 Olympics and beyond.’ Stevenson’s gold came on the first day of competition for the Channel Islands county side at the national track and field jamboree on the banks of the River Tyne.

Becky Slater was also in action in the intermediate javelin, finishing ninth with her throw of 32.44, about a metre down on her PB.

Senior sprinter Stephen Prosser qualified for today’s 100m final, despite some tough competition, finishing second in his heat in 11.0 sec.

Also through to a final is high jump junior Jenna Murphy (14) who reached the final 12 with a leap of 1.58, three centimetres below her PB.

Lucy Crossman (13) cleared 1.52 and just missed out on qualifying.

In the seniors, Guernsey’s Erica Bodman finished seventh after clearing 1.66m.

CI team members in action today: Junior Boy: Zane Duquemin (discus).

Intermediate boy: Michael Batiste (G, 400m hurdles ).

Senior boys: Stephen Prosser (100m final), Jason Fox (high jump) and David Felton (discus).

Junior Girls: Jenna Murphy (high jump final) Amy Dingle (long jump), Kathryn Rothwell (shot).

Intermediate: Kimberley Gleeson (G).