THURROCK Harriers’ latest Southern Athletics League fixture in Colchester ended in a deluge – but before this a battling performance by the Harriers, produced good wins, PBs and third place overall.

The nine-man men’s team had to cover 40 separate team spots with Ben Gibbs and Michael Shortall covering 18 of those places between them.

Best of Gibbs’ efforts was his win in the B-string high jump, B-string 110m hurdles and triple jump.

The best of Shortall’s efforts, which included his usual domination of the hurdles events, was a long anticipated PB in the 400m.

A strong contribution came from Aiden Simpson who was second in the high jump with a PB of 1.80m.

Another pleasing PB came from Nigel Instance, whose 32m javelin throw also won the B events.

Glen Rawlinson in that event was second in the A-string but was equally pleased with his win the B-string discus.

Mark Jenkins (V50) was delighted with his win in the B-string hammer throw while he also took good points in the pole vault and shot.

The middle distance made a stronger contribution than usual. Alec Finch, back from university, wasn’t pleased with his main event, the 800m which he ran in 2m 03s, but can be very pleased with his runners-up spot in the 1,500m. Adam Dowman filled four events. He was delighted with a PB in the 5,000m and his time in the 2,000m matched his PB pace in the full 3,000m distance.

Scott Rice also ran an excellent 5,000m - his best for some time - and scored well in the steeplechase and 1,500m.

A wedding of a club member meant the turn out on the women's side was reduced to four!

Sue Lawrence toiled all afternoon in the throws but was bested by Woodford’s Hollie Redman. Nonetheless she contributed 20 points to the cause. Likewise Madeline Connell contributed another 15 in the B-string.

Natalie Le Beau had a busy afternoon in the sprints and jumps. She won both the jumps and finished runner up in the sprints for an invaluable 22 point contribution.

Libby Milne, 15, ran a good B-string 100m and 400m. Her long jump is also progressing well.

Former goalkeeper Jason Syrett is now of an age where PBs are not expected, but last week in the Havering 90 10k he won the V45 section with a PB of 39m 31s, and finished seventh – a reflection of his increase in mileage and a performance that should inspire his team mates.

This weekend the club endurance squad will aim to be out in force in the Horndon 10k held on Sunday in conjunction with the Feast and Fayre.