The annual three part battles for the Croydon Harriers Sprint and One Mile Handicap titles reached a fitting climax at the Albert Road Arena last Tuesday evening.

The last race for the "Jack Lisney" sprint title, over 200m or less, was won narrowly by 16-year-old scratch-marker Martin Nelson.

Nelson dug deep to hold off Eric Campbell, 20 years his senior, who had made the most of a 25m advantage.

Russell Burgess, off 20m, was a seriously challenging third and Robert Langridge, making a welcome return from his new home near Folkestone, did well off 5m for a close up fourth.

In the final outcome, youth prevailed over experience, with Nelson taking the title by a single point, 57 to 56, ahead of Burgess, who rewarded for his consistent efforts by gaining the runner-up spots.

Third and fourth placegetters Jack Appleton and Eric Campbell were well adrift of the leaders but closely locked in their own personal battle on 37 and 36 points.

Martin Rowe made the third mile handicap his own with a solid solo run of 5:03.7, finishing over 40 seconds clear of Nelson (5:47.1), who backed up from his sprint win with a gallant runner-up finish.

Eric Campbell, thirrd in 6:00.2, registered a 25sec improvement on his PB.

Behind him the wily Burgess did sufficient with his 6:46.0 to win the title and the Ashby Cup by two points from Rowe, 55 to 53.

Nelson took third with 49 points and the ever-improving Ashley Green took fourth with a well-earned 38.

October 24, 2001 16:00