BLACKHEATH Harriers U17 team completed an outstanding winter as they finished second in the McDonald's National Young Athletes Road Relay at Sutton Coldfield.

Having won the Kent, Southern and national cross country titles this winter, the team started as one of the favourites and remained in a medal position throughout the race.

John Baker took the team to third place on the opening leg of the 3.8km course. He handed over to brother David, who moved into second position. Lee Cooper struggled through illness to keep the team in the silver position and Steve Holmes held first place for a while before being passed by the Sale Harriers, Manchester, runner.

Blackheath's U17 B team were the first B side home in the race, showing the club's strength in depth. The U15s finished 11th and the U13s 23rd.

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