A clutch of strong individual performances suggested that Herne Hill Harriers will be able to compete at the highest level of British athletics as the club made their bow in the top flight at the weekend.
Promoted Herne Hill made their debut in the British Athletics League Premiership on Saturday, facing the likes of Birchfield Harriers, Sale Harriers and City of Sheffield AC.
Harriers, who had several athletes unavailable, finished eighth at the Lee Valley meeting, with team manager Geoff Jerwood predicting the squad will be stronger in upcoming league fixtures.
Individual showings from several athletes, including long jumper Jonathan Grant, 100m specialist Robert Graham and 800m runner Lewis Lloyd, were proof of Harriers’ intent to challenge the best in Britain.
Grant finished third with a jump of 7.03m, 16cm behind the eventual winner. Graham was fourth in the 100m, clocking 10.92, while Lloyd was also fourth over 800m in 1:56.84. Harriers performed solidly in the relay events, coming third in the 4x400m event and fourth in the 4x100m.
Harriers’ next fixture takes place in Manchester on June 8.
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