SOUTHAMPTON AC’s push for a place in the British Athletics League Premiership elite remains on course after a tough encounter at Bromley on Saturday.

It was always going to be a stern test for the men in red and white stripes as hosts Blackheath & Bromley, at near full strength, vied for the lead with runaway league leaders Thames Valley Harriers.

Southampton only managed one victory - Sean Adams' dominant B 400m hurdles win in 53.31 seconds – but the hurdlers, in general, handled the challenge well.

Sam Plumb achieved a brace of thirds in the long jump and sprint hurdles, while javelin ace Tom Anstice performed above expectations to finish runner-up (52.93 metres).

Southampton's distance runners were magnificent with BAL debutant steeplechaser Sam Costley rising to the challenge with a personal best (pb) 10 mins 02.0 secs in the 3,000m event for second place.

There was a runners-up spot too for mainstay Alex Wall-Clarke in the 5000m in yet another pb of 14.35.0.

The sprinters found the going tough against quality opposition but, in the field, uber consistent vaulters Sam Bass-Cooper (4.40m) and Tom Rady (3.40m), shot putter Archie Leeming (13.97m) and high jumper Adam Jones (1.90m) kept them in the hunt.

With City of Glasgow’s desperate struggle for Division One survival spurring them on to narrowly push Southampton into fourth position overall, the final event provided a last-minute highlight for the south coast club.

Jamie Robinson (50.2), Tyson Oladokun (49.5), Jon Slade (48.5, on a magnificent return from injury) and anchor man Adams (48.3) combined to finish a close third in a club record 3.16.43.

Going into the final league fixture hosted by relegation-threatened Basingstoke on August 6, Southampton are still clear in second overall behind Thames Valley and four match points ahead of Blackheath & Bromley.

The task is to finish no more than three places behind Blackheath to ensure promotion to the top flight.

“It promises to be an exciting final match,” smiled team boss Gary Gray.

Match result: Thames Valley Harriers 355, Blackheath & Bromley 302, Glasgow City 294, Southampton 280, Harrow 252, Herne Hill 243, Basingstoke 235, Enfield & Haringey 211.

League standings after three (of four) matches: Thames Valley Harriers 24, Southampton 19, Blackheath & Bromley 15, Glasgow City 13, Harrow 11, Herne Hill Harriers 10, Enfield & Haringey 9 Basingstoke 7.