EDWIN Allen High will be hoping to make it three in a row when they compete in the girls' 4x100 metres at next week's Penn Relays in Philadelphia, following victories in 2007 and 2008.

However it will be no easy task for the defending champions. They will be strongly challenged by at least three Jamaican teams along with Eleanor Roosevelt out of Maryland.

After looking good in early season, the Michael Dyke-coached team has been struggling of late and were beaten at Boys and Girls' Championships by Holmwood in Class One. Holmwood clocked 45.02 seconds to Edwin Allen's 45.54.

No top-line sprinters

Despite not possessing any top- line sprinters, Holmwood who also clocked a fast 45.04 seconds to win in Class Two are expected to make their presence felt at 'Penns' this year. They can select from the likes of Petra Fanty, Shericka Moulton and Samantha Woodburn in Class Two and Audria Segree in Class One.

Although Holmwood have been very dominant at these relays, they have not had much success in the 4x100 metres event despite some great teams over the years with their only wins coming in 2001 and 2006.

Top American team

Eleanor Roosevelt who clocked 45.38 at the Florida Relays should be the top team among the Americans. They have had success in the 4x400 and 4x800m and would want to add another title to their collection. .

Despite a best of 45.46 seconds, done by their Class Two team, behind Holmwood at the high- school championships, Vere appear the team to beat this year. The most successful team in this event with 14 titles, with their last victory coming in 2004 where they set a new Penn Relays record of 44.32 seconds they have more leg speed than any other team.

They have four quality athletes, in Jura Levy (Class Two), Deandra Whitehorne and Celia Walters in Class Two and Shericka Jackson in Class Three. They will get the chance for the first time to put all four together in a 4x100 metres event.

At the Gibson Relays all four competed in the 4x200m Open where they produced a record run of 1:34.73 to erase Holmwood Technical's 2001 record of 1:35.23. This time indicates that they can go mid-44 seconds or lower and there are no other teams that can match them and they should go close to the record set by the Simone Facey-led team five years ago.

Another local team which is expected to make its presence felt is the Carrie Russell-led Queen's School but as long as there are no hitches during the race from the Vere quartet, they will not be beaten.

- Raymond Graham