SOUTHAMPTON AC came away with a stunning haul of nine British titles and 20 medals from the British Masters Championships in Birmingham.

Garry Newton led the way with a hat-trick of victories in the men’s 35 category, topping the shot (13.19), discus (38.95) and javelin (42.68).

Matt Hibberd, competing in his first Masters Championships, struck gold in the same age-group, clocking 4.22.7 for 1500m.

David Blackman also won his first British Masters title in the M45 800m (2.05.40) with Edward Connolly doing likewise in the M65 800m (2.30.80) Jon Tilt has topped the podium before and added double gold to his ever-growing collection with glory in the M50 400m and 400m hurdles.

There was twin success too for Vic Novell who celebrated a M70 100/200m sprint double in 13.99 and 29.69 respectively.

Mark Collins posted one of his fastest times of the season for M40 100m silver (11.43) and was fifth over 200m (23.92).

Andy Turner just missed out on the medals with fourth in both the M50 discus (37.64) and weight throw (13.84) and finished fifth in the shot (11.22).

M40 duo Stuart Hicks and James Smith were fifth in 800m (2.08.52) and 5000m (16.13.73)respectively, Mary Axtell ran a personal best for W70 100m (17.55) gold, and Tracey Bezance scooped W50 200m gold (29.43) and 400m silver (64.10).

All-rounder Janet Dickinson was the busiest of Southampton’s contingent, winning six medals in seven W45 events. She struck gold in the 80m hurdles (13.98) and long jump (4.65), silver in the high jump (1.30), shot (8.13) and javelin (24.20), bronze in the 100m (14.12) and came seventh in the 200m (29.93).