Team manager Rob Russell came to the rescue when two Surrey girls were left stranded after the South of England U17s inter-counties meeting at Crawley on Sunday.

Herne Hill Harriers pole vaulter Angharad Seaton and javelin thrower Charlotte Kanini-Parsons found the minibus, which took them from Kingsmeadow Stadium to Crawley, had left for home before their events had ended.

The situation was complic- ated because Seaton had a set of poles she needed to get back to her home in Clapham.

Russell strapped them to the roof of his car before driving the girls back to Kingston, where their parents were waiting.

Subsequently, the parents have complained to Surrey County Athletic Association.

“It was unfortunate the minibus left without the girls,” said Russell.

“Once we were made aware of the situation we took all necessary steps to ensure their safe return.

“I don’t see what else we could have done.”

Surrey women’s team finished last of the eight counties.

Despite boasting the top two U17 3,000m runners in the country in English schools champion Emelia Gorecka, from Howard of Effingham School, and Guildford’s Ruth Hayes, Surrey failed to field any competitors in that event.

The only Surrey winner was Amy Allcock in the 300m (39.91).

Sutton & District’s Sarah Abrams was third in the long jump with 5.35m.

Walton’s Carla Letheby was third in the discus with 34.78m and fourth in the hammer with 35.06m.

Seaton was fourth equal in the pole vault with 2.30m, while Kanini-Parsons was fifth in the javelin with 33.26m.

St Mary’s Richmond’s Lydia Tella was fourth for Middlesex in the shot with 9.95m.

Match result: 1 Essex 348.5; 2 Kent 302.5; 3 Middlesex 289; 4 Sussex 277; 5 Hampshire 255; 6 Hertfordshire 246.5; 7 Buckinghamshire 205.5; 8 Surrey 181.