Aussie Rendell clinches hammer gold

MELBOURNE, Mar 24 (Reuters) Australia's Stuart Rendell set a new Commonwealth Games record in winning the men's hammer final today as the home nation continued to dominate the field events.

Rendell, who won gold at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, sent his second effort sailing out to 77.53 metres, a mark that was never threatened.

Canadian James Steacy picked up the silver with a heave of 74.75m and South Africa's Christian Haarmse the bronze with 73.81m.

Australia had already won the women's event through Brooke Krueger and also took the men's discus after Scott Martin's last-gasp win last night.

REUTERS PDS BS1503