Kettering Town Harriers took a big step towards retaining their Division 3 status in the Midland Track and Field League with fourth place in the meeting at Wolverhampton. The home club won, with Yate second and Tamworth third. DASH were fifth (and are condemned to relegation) and KTH's nearest rivals, Solihull, were last.
This was an important result for the club, as in the preceding week we had been demoted to fifth place in final reckoning of the previous meeting at Solihull, due to adjustments to take account of the downpour that ended proceedings. We have no complaints about this, but it left us dangerously close to the drop zone.
There were several fine performances, particularly by the women on the track, where Gemma Elliott (400m), Rebecca Hall (800m) and Hayley Munn (3000m) took first places. None of the men could follow suit, although there were several seconds, including Jamie Milne in both Hurdle races, Andy Mills in the Discus, and Jonathan Goringe in the 1500m, having arrived at the stadium five minutes before the race.
It was good to see Alex Keyworth back on the track after a long absence through injury.
Alongside the "experts", there was the usual willingness for people to take part in unfamiliar events in order to maximise our points total. Sophie Munn, in particular, turned her hand to wide range of events, including a gutsy effort in the 3000m.
A full turnout in the final meeting at Dudley on 1st August will be needed to ensure we stay up - BOOK THE DATE PLEASE!