RIVALS Kent AC and Blackheath & Bromley Harriers were up against each other in the British Athletics League at Norman Park on Saturday.

Blackheath’s pair of Tremayne Gilling and James Alaka dominated the sprints. Sheffield and Cardiff, lying first and second in the league, were relatively strong all round and surprisingly Kent AC were in the mix earlier in the day than usual.

Traditionally very poor starters, Kent picked up better than expected points in all the earlier events, especially in the long jump where in-form Matt Burton leapt to a comfortable 7.52m win.

Blackheath were strong but missing their dominant pole vault pairing and didn’t score their normal maximum points, although European masters champion Alan Williams made an appearance for the Harriers.

As the day progressed, the lead changed virtually after every event with all four clubs very much in the hunt.

Liverpool, also a strong side, never quite got going on the day and had to be content with fifth place.

Gateshead Harriers, Basingstoke & Mid Hants and Trafford battled for the minor placings.

The track results ebbed and flowed with Kent’s boys taking a great double win in the 5,000m thanks to Nick Torry and Ben Tickner, which put them right up with the leaders.

Running totals of points were announced and it became apparent the results had obviously not taken into account all the events.

The relays at the end of the day suggested Blackheath & Bromley had done enough, just being pipped by Cardiff in the 4x100m and winning the 4x400m comfortably in a new club record and only a second outside the league divisional record.

However, as further points scores were announced, it was discovered six event scores had been omitted from the totals.

Those events included the shot, where Sean Breathnach and Dan Brunsden scored massive points for Kent, and the javelin, where Dominic Sadowski was headed on the final round by team mate Max Tanner with a new club record of 63.86m.

Those great performances in the throws gave Kent their first win of the season over leaders Sheffield.

Cardiff were third and Blackheath & Bromley fourth.

Kent now leap frog Blackheath & Bromley into third place in the league but Blackheath’s consolation is they are safe in Division One for another season.