Crawley and Worthing are still on course for promotion after excellent results at Blackpool and Peterborough.

Crawley were squeezed into third in their British League division four match at Blackpool, but manager Mark Sheridan was happy.

He said: "It was, as I expected, a tough match and we were a little below full strength. But the boys responded well and I am quite happy with the result.

"We only had two A winners but very few of our athletes finished lower than fourth and we are strong all round without any real stars.

"Rob Creed had a brilliant run in the 3,000m steeplechase. He finished fourth but chopped more than ten seconds off his best."

Creed's time of 9min.52.5sec is 15 seconds faster than any other Sussex runner this season.

Another personal best came from Joel Kidger in the 800m. He has only been back for a few weeks following a virus infection, but showed a sparkling turn of speed to win in a blanket finish (1min. 52.5sec).

Kidger's time was the fastest by a Sussex runner this season but only for five minutes as clubmate Gavin Thompson was involved in a similar battle in the B race, which he won in 1min. 52.4sec.

There was maximum points for Crawley in the 5,000m in which Ed Pricket made a splendid British League debut for the Sussex club, winning his event in 15min.07.8sec. Kevin Holland won the B race in 15min. 17.9sec.

In division one of the Southern Men's League, Worthing Harriers chalked up their second win of the season at Peterborough.

Dominic Chapman made a welcome return to the team after injury but confined himself to the throwing events, winning the javelin (47.15m), the B discus (36.45m) and taking second place in the shot putt (12.38m).

Paul Gilding completed a hat-trick of victories winning the 100m hurdles, high jump and long jump and was second in the triple jump.

Steyning walkers Matthew Hales and Chris Cheeseman (Crawley) were included in the British team for the European Cup walks at Dudince in Slovakia.

Hales was the leading British walker in the 20km event placing 38th in 90min. 08sec. Cheeseman also led the British walkers home in the 50km in 37th (4hr.24min. 48sec).

On the second day Hales competed in the junior 10km race in which he finished 29th in 45min. 35sec.

Report by Reg Hook. Email: reg.hook1@btninternet.com