MORE than 90 of the best athletic clubs in the country converged on Aldershot's Rushmoor Arena last weekend for the south of England's six-stage road relay.

Kent AC, still cocooned in the euphoria generated by their recent promotion to the second division of the National League, fielded a squad so strong in depth nothing less than a club best result would be acceptable.

They were led off by new recruit Michael Claff who took on the very competitive first leg and did well in the melee to return in 30th position.

Jermaine Mays, free at last from injury, took up the running and demonstrated the class which earned him selection for the GB team which went to the European Athletic Championship in Gothenberg last month.

His relaxed style and intelligent pacing brought the club up to seventh place and set the second fastest lap of the day behind European silver medallist Mo Farah.

He handed over to Irish international Noel Pollock who continued the gallant effort by reeling in a few more internationals to hand over in third place.

The fourth leg was taken by ex-Sedgehill pupil James Connor who battled hard to maintain the bronze medal place but was thwarted in the last few yards.

He was followed by Simon Taylor, another of the training group based at the Ladywell Arena, and his superb effort kept Kent AC ahead of rivals Blackheath & Bromley Harriers and Bedford - the pre-race favourites.

The anchor leg was taken by Northern Ireland international Andrew Dunwoody who ran a captain's race and held on to bring Kent AC home in fifth place and set a new record in the club's 120-year history.

Team manager Ken Pike was quick to praise the team.

He said: "The improvement in training discipline and the dedication of both the young and the seasoned athletes has resulted in an unprecedented rise in fortune for the club over the last decade.

"With the regenerating effect of our youth policy and the dogged determination of the 'old hands' who never give in, is it any wonder we can demonstrate such depth of talent."

Two hours earlier the 'old hands' threw down the gauntlet to the senior team by taking the bronze medal in the four-stage veterans over-40s road relay race.

Former-Scottish international Andy Farquharson stormed into an early lead from the start of the first stage but was drawn back to fourth place for the hand over to veteran international Luke Armitage who ran a fine captain's leg pulling the team back to third.

John Headley, who recently won the 800m title at the European vets championship in Poland, battled desperately against the effect of a chest infection and amazingly held on to fifth.

Club president Len Reilly was left to use all his experience to fight his way back to finish in the bronze medal position and earn the club's first ever medal in this discipline.

He said: "It has been a superlative year. Two promotions in the track and field, best ever results in cross-country, our first ever medal in road relays and eight of our young chaps winning international honours; we must keep doing what we know is working and set realistic targets. The future looks exciting."