SOUTHEND Athletic Club were given a major boost for next year's centenary celebrations when they won a place in the British Athletics League for the first time ever.
After an unequalled season of six victories - beating a total of 25 other clubs - to win the Southern Men's League Division One, the squad were rewarded with a coveted place in the qualifying match at Abingdon in Oxford.
A full team, plus an equal number of vocally supportive fans,took the two-and-a-half trip by coach and cars to take on the might of the North, Wales, Midlands and the two squads facing relegation from the National League itself.
Unfortunately, the weathermen had promised rain and wind and their assurances were fulfiled.
This created difficulties for several of the events - most notably the pole vault at the beginning of the proceedings and several other competitions during the first two-thirds of the programme.
Full report and entry form for Southend 10km run in Thursday night's Echo
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article