AFTER narrowly losing to Thames Valley Harriers in the opening match four weeks earlier, Birchfield turned the tables. But it was close, as the Stags won by half a point and the two league frontrunners will fight things out in the final match next month.
There was controversy after around a dozen athletes were deemed ineligible to compete in the opening match and their clubs, Enfield & Haringey and Shaftesbury Barnet, forfeited points and were demoted to the rear of the pack, although there could yet be appeals.
On the opening match, league scrutiniser Jan Lishman said: “There were a number of ineligible athletes taking part which has taken some time to unravel, including checks with England Athletics.”
Clubs were advised that the first match disqualifications were “still subject to appeal.”
Julia Cook (6): 800m win
MARK SHEARMAN