Garrett shines as Sheffield hold their own in Manchester

They are in fourth place at the halfway stage. While not in a position to challenge Shaftsbury Barnet and City of Manchester for the title, they are not in any danger of relegation.

The 400m hurdles was the best event for Sheffield with Steve Garrett running a gritty race to win in 52.38secs and Tom Grantham taking fourth place in the B race with 54.80secs.

In the pole vault, Luke Cutts, not at his best having missed some training due to injury, was beaten by Andrew Sutcliffe (City of Manchester) and Max Eaves (Newham and Essex), both internationals. Cutts cleared 5.20m, a height shared with team-mate Adam Hague, a junior, who comfortably won the B event. Torrential rain forced the vault and the high jump indoors.

On the track Grant Plenderleith was fourth for Sheffield in a very fast 400m, clocking 47.12secs with Tim Burn runner up in the B race (48.08secs).

A convert to athletics from Scottish football, Plenderleith’s time was a personal best and reinforces his claim for a place in the Scottish relay squad for the Commonwealth Games.

The 800m was another good event for Sheffield with Steve Evison third in 1:51.05 and Paul Rice third in the B race (1:54.65).

A strong all-round performance saw Wakefield Harriers win the second round match in the Northern League (Division 1) at Manchester on Saturday.

Only fifth in the opening fixture they have too much to do to catch Preston at the top of the table.

The pole vault was a maximum point event for Wakefield with Andrew Jones and George Heppinstall, both clearing 3.80m.

Hannah Yates (31.90m) and Lucy Holmes (23.13m) scored top points in the discus with both athletes also contributing valuable points in other throwing events.

The consistent Helen Singleton won the 1500m in 4:41.5, with Faye Beckett winning the B race.