Telford AC put on a masterful display

Birmingham's Alexander Stadium was the venue and the trip to the Second City brought out the best in the Telford Athletes.

The over-35s ladies shared top billing with Cannock and Stafford on the day and are now setting the pace at the top of the overall standings.

The men's team came home third on the day and second overall behind Cannock and Stafford.

Team manager Branka Sukara-Fielding led by example in a hugely successful meet for the women's team.

She won the over-40s high jump, clearing one metre 20, and then took to the track to come home third in the 200m in 33.7 seconds.

Rachel Coupe tasted success again, following up her victory in the 400m at the first league meeting by winning the over-40s 800m in two minutes 34 seconds.

Michelle Clarke was another impressive winner for Telford as she took the 3000m by 30 seconds in 10.58.6.

The story of success continued as Pat Higgins rounded off a busy night by winning the over-60s javelin, with a throw of 12.97m as well as coming third in the over-50s long jump (2.76m).

Maggie Langdale maintained her impressive form in the over-50s 2000m walk by crossing the line in second, while team-mate Susan Hind matched that result in the over-35s walk.

Hind also doubled up to claim third-place finishes in the discus and shot.

Other Telford results saw Maggie Langdale finish runner-up in the W60 200m in 46.5, while Teresa Reynolds followed a fifth-placed finish in the W50 200m with third in the W50 800m.

Rachel Simms netted two top-three finishes, crossing the line third in the W35 200m and then going one place better in the W35 3000m.

Helen Watson added the feelgood factor with two thirds – in the W35 800m and W35 triple jump – as Telford joined Cannock and Stafford at the top of the podium with 112 points.

Telford's men clocked up 92 points to finish behind Cannock and Stafford (107) and Burton (99). They had four victories to celebrate on the night.

Dave Drew claimed the glory in the M60 200m in 29.3 while Dale Wilkinson was victorious in the M35 800m. Mark Mountford hit the heights to win the M40 high jump as he cleared 1.40m.

The 4x400m relay team of Andy Flint, Dave Drew, Dale Wilkinson and Kevin Taylor left their rivals trailing as they stormed to victory in 4.13.6.

Kevin Taylor enjoyed a fine debut for the club, showing his versatility by bagging third-placed finishes in the M50 800m (2.30.6) and 200m (28.9).

Flint added to his relay success by running home second in the M35 200m while Rick Hailey was runner-up in the M60 3000m.

Dave Garrott had an action-packed schedule as he took part in the javelin, shot and discus. Dave Drew posted 3.81m in the M50 long jump to clinch third place.

Mark Mountford clocked up the laps as he finished fifth in the M40 3000m and fourth in the 800m while Richard Heath was sixth in the M35 3000m.

The club are also looking to bolster their Masters section and any over-35s who are interested in getting into track and field in Olympic year.

They are welcome to attend training nights at Telford Athletics Stadium on Tuesday and Thursdays. For more information contact Telford AC via their website www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk.