Stratford Athletic Club's mens' teams had another successful day in their division five fixture of the Midland League at Bristol when they finished in third place - their best ever position in this division.

The opening event of the day brought success when Neil Hawkins won the high jump with a clearance of 1.75m and Henry Lowry won the B event.

In the long jump, Malcolm Hawkins jumped 5.56m for third place, while Dale Wright jumped a personal best for second B athlete.

Moving to the track, Malcolm Hawkins, an under 17, made his first appearance over the higher senior hurdles and came a close second in the 400m hurdles race in a senior club record of 59.7.

Not to be outdone brother Neil later claimed the javelin record of 39.11m to finish in second place.

Wayne Oakes made his first appearance in the steeplechase and looked a natural, coming in to finish in second place. Richard Steel was second in the B race to gain more useful points after already completing the hammer and the 400m hurdles.

Richard Elliott was fourth in the 800m and 1,500m races, while team manager Paul Hawkins had his usual busy afternoon. After coming fifth in the B hammer he came sixth in the 800m B race, fifth in the 1,500m and third in the 5,000m.

In the 100m and 200m Wright ran well. In the B races the Hawkins brothers both produced good times. Lowry finished a strong second in the sprint hurdles.

Keith Tallett put in some good performances in the shot, discus and javelin. Lowry was second in the B shot and third in the discus.

The final two events were the relays. The same quartet of Paul Taylor, Wright and the Hawkins brothers ran in both the 4 x 100m and the 4 x 400m and finished third in both races.

The final result was Gloucester 280 points, Burton 233.5, Stratford 213.5, Sparkhill 187, Tamworth 169, Charnwood 129. Bristol 95, OWLS 69.

This puts Stratford in fourth place overall, in their first season in this higher division, with only one match to go.