August 2014 – Southern Athletic League – Hemel Hempstead
Harrow Athletic Club completed its Southern Athletic League season with a massive victory in Hemel Hempstead but results elsewhere meant that promotion was missed by just one place, writes Tony Bush.
Harrow scored a handsome 244 points to beat nearest rivals St. Albans by 89 points, with Newham and Dacorum trailing, to record its fourth consecutive victory but a disappointing first round result at Oxford in April meant they were always playing ‘catch up’ and they finished the season in third spot with only the top two being promoted to Division One.
Tom Nichols and Richard Carr both enjoyed double victories, with Tom taking the high jump and sprint hurdles, and Richard winning both long and triple jumps. There were also field event victories for Dave Sketchley in the javelin and Dave Norris in the hammer.
On the track, Omar Grant took the 200 metres but damaged his back doing so and was unable to join Harrow’s winning sprint relay team. Philip Benson won the 800 metres, Andy Holliman led all the way to dominate the 1500 metres and Chad McLeod took the 400 metres hurdles, while the 4 x 400m relay squad completed a comfortable victory.
There were fewer victories in what was an excellent all-round performance from the women’s squad. Sarah Brown won the 1500 metres, held during torrential rain, and also took second spot in the 3000 metres. Lucy Rann won the javelin and also took second place in the shot.
Harrow’s 2014 League campaign concludes with the final round of the men’s British League in Bath on Saturday (9 August), with a strong squad seeking to consolidate its fourth position in the eight strong National Division Two.
