WORCESTER Athletic Club's men rounded off their season with a close second place in the Midland Masters Track and Field League Cup final in Mansfield.

They secured their place in the A final with convincing wins in the four league meetings, beating rivals Birchfield Harriers into second spot.

Such is Worcester's overall strength in depth at this competition that they have won the league championship title 14 times in the last 15 years.

After 25 hard-fought events covering age groups over 40, 50 and 60, only a mere four points separated Worcester from reclaiming the Midland Masters trophy they won for the first time two seasons ago.

Reigning champions Rugby and Northampton Lions held on to win by 142 to Worcester's 138 points. Charnwood AC, Harborough, Birchfield Harriers, Royal Sutton Coldfield, Sparkhill and Stoke AC all finished below.

In the 25 events, Worcester provided five individual victories and six well-earned second places.

Victories went to Richard White in the 400 metres and 800m, Laurence Oldfield in the over-60 100m and 200m and Ivan Pawluk in the 1,500m.

Runners-up spots were achieved by Marc Flannery in the pole vault and shot, Roger King in the over-60 shot and javelin, Jez Church in the triple jump and Oldfield in the 800m.

Worcester's only competitor in the ladies event, Ros Townsend-Hope, was a convincing winner in the 800m for over-50s.