With relegation all but a mathematical certainty an improved Stoke team showed what could have been with a fine 5th place in the final league fixture of the season.

Sprinter Alex Nelson returned to domestic competition after his medal winning exploits at the World Youth and European Junior Championships and was the star of the meeting. His 100m victory in 10.49 seconds put good early points on the board. Whilst this performance was just what the home crowd expected, his seasonal debut at 200m was sensational. He blitzed round the bend and powered down the straight to stop the clock in 20.69 seconds, a time that puts him 3rd on this years UK senior rankings, claims the UK under 18 record and obliterated Olympian Martin Briggs’ club record.

Decathlete Roger Skedd has been the team’s biggest points scorer again this season, and had another excellent match. He started a busy afternoon by claiming his first A String victory of the season, jumping an excellent 6.91m in the long jump. Fellow decathlete Sam Bishop then made sure of the maximum points by taking the B event with 6.69m for the clubs first double of the season. In the 110m hurdles Skedd ran 14.80 seconds, his fastest league time of the season, gaining second place in the A event. Robin Smith, returning from injury for his first league appearance of the season, gained good points with 3rd place in the B event.

Craig Ellams continues to improve after several years out of the sport and his 58.73m claimed third in the A Hammer. There were also top three finishes for Sam Bishop in the B Javelin, Gregg Nixon in the B Discus and Andy Marsh in the B Pole Vault. Rob Spencer also had reason to celebrate after setting a personal best in the 800m.

Whilst the season ended in relegation, this performance shows that with a good turnout the club has the ability to compete and there is no reason why promotion cannot be achieved next season.