SALE Harriers wrote a new chapter in their history when their senior men’s team won the National Six-Stage Road Relay Championships for the first time.


The athletics team fought off stiff competition from other clubs in Birmingham last weekend to land the gold medal with 30 seconds to spare over Belgrave Harriers.
 

They were also presented with a sword for being the highest ranked northern team and a Championship Cup to mark their maiden victory at the event.


The team included Commonwealth and World Junior athlete Niall Brooks who returned to the team following an illness and international Charlie Hulson brought the team into medal contention.


Antony Ford – currently preparing for the Frankfurt Marathon – flew into the lead and opened up a 13 second gap, before handing over to Matt Bond who stretched it to 41 seconds.


The team were brought home first by Simon Horsfield – who further extended their lead to 51 seconds – and then by James Bailey who ran the important anchor leg.


“It’s a superb achievement and it’s thanks to all the lads and to their coaches,” said team manager James Bailey. “This will bring a new confidence to a very promising team.”


The recent achievement caps off a memorable past 12 months for the club’s senior men, with their track and field team crowned National Premier League champions for only the third time in their history.


The next big date for Harriers is the National Cross-Country relays at Mansfield on November 2.