There were mixed results for Sussex clubs in the fourth round of the Southern Men's League matches.

In Division One, where reigning league champions Worthing are struggling to avoid relegation, fourth place at Peterborough is unlikely to lift them out of trouble.

Nevertheless, it was good to see the injury-hit Paul Gilding fit enough to tackle the jumps and hurdles.

Gilding, who played a major role in Worthing's triumph last season, missed the defence of his county high jump title in May.

But he made a triumphant return at Peterborough, win-ning with a clearance of 1.95m, the highest by a Sussex athlete so far this season.

Although there is still more work to do on his long jump, he did manage a useful 6.26m. for third place and continued his fine high hurdling form by winning the 110m event in a season's best time of 15.1sec.

In Division Two, where Hastings were pressing for promotion, the wheels came off their challenge at Ports-mouth.

A depleted squad struggled to finish fifth and probably waved goodbye to any hopes of promotion this season.

The reverse was the case in Division Three, where East Grinstead won their home match at Broadbridge Heath, which takes them clear of the relegation zone.

Good things happened in Division Four, where three Sussex clubs were in action.

At Ware, the Brighton and Hove squad continued their fine run by winning their match, but main rivals Luton and Watford also won, so they remain third in the table.

Andy Thompson, who has shown such good long jumping form this season, notched a hat-trick of wins.

Although still in the under 20 age group, Thompson took on the seniors and won the long jump with another good leap of 6.52m, the triple jump with 11.90m and the 200m, into a strong head wind, in 24.5sec.

Paul McKeown, another un-der 20 athlete in fine form this season, took the 110m hurdles and also won the B 200m.

Horsham had to settle for second place behind league leaders Luton at Broadbridge Heath, and surprisingly this has only lifted them one place to 11th in the table.

Eastbourne Rovers, however, who were in the rele-gation zone, took third place at Bury St Edmunds, which has moved them up to 18th place.

Although not completely out of trouble, with a home match to come they should be able to capitalise on this effort.

A record number of nine Sussex athletes have been selected to represent England in the Commonwealth Games, which open in Manchester on July 26.

They include Patrick Davoren, of Phoenix, whose bril-liant run in the trials has earned him a place in the 3,000m steeplechase.

Davoren, who is the athletics manager at Withdean Stadium, chopped more than 10sec. off his previous best in 8min. 41.30sec.

Sean Baldock, from Has-tings, has made the 400m squad after recording a season's best effort of 46.03sec.

Mick Jones, from Crawley, who took the silver medal in the hammer competition in Kuala Lumpur four years ago, will be aiming for go one better this time.

Crawley pole-vaulter Nick Buckfield, the British record holder, has been selected subject to proving his fitness.

Steyning walkers Donald Bearman and Gareth Brown will both be making their debuts in a major Games.

Bearman has been selected for the 20km race and Brown for the 50km, while Niobe Menendez, has a place in the women's 20km race.

Brighton and Hove's Claire Smithson and Lucy Webber, from Burgess Hill, have been selected for the discus and pole vault respectively.