Depleted Harriers relegated

10:20am Thursday 7th August 2008

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Bolton United Harriers lost their battle against relegation from Division One of the North of England Senior Track and Field League despite a monumental effort.

In their final senior league meeting they were hampered by a shortage of competitors.

Division One was a highly competitive league and stretched all Harriers athletes, with many achieving personal bests during the season.

But a slow start to the season and a depleted team in the final match proved too much to overcome.

Invaluable experience has been gained, and with the addition of younger athletes, it will not be long before they are vying for a return to Division One.

Many of the men’s teams performed to a very high standard with Bruce Pilkington winning the 100m B race, Sam Gough winning the 800m B race and Andy Parker coming second in the 1500m B race.

The Harriers were very strong in the middle distance races as Tony Valentine and Ian Bowles won both their heats of the steeplechase.

Valentine also won the 5000m B race, with Carl Hardman coming second in the A race.

Ian Bowles again scored s points in the 400m HB and 110HB race by achieving first and second place respectively. He was also supported by team manager Scott Whittle who came second in the 400mH.

Brian Hall won the high jump and triple jump B, and was second in the long jump.

He was joined by Chris Sinclair who finished second in the triple jump.

Sinclair was also part of the men’s 4x100m relay team along with Stephen Hemming, Bruce Pickering and Will Green, which finished second.

The women’s team again performed well in the middle distance events with Liz Proctor gaining second place in both the 1500m and 3000m.

But they were stretched to their limits with many of the regular competitors unavailable. The innate team spirit persevered with many athletes doing extra events, and other athletes making surprise comebacks.

The Harriers will welcome back all members with a centenary commemorative meal, with Ron Hill as the guest speaker on October 11.

The formal dress event is open to all and tickets will be allocated on a lottery system. Further information is available from the Harriers.