SWINDON Harriers are gearing themselves up for one of their biggest fixtures of the season on Saturday as the Southern Athletics League reaches its climax.

The combined men’s and women’s squad head to Plymouth for the fourth and final fixture knowing that one more decent performance will seal the Division Three West title and promotion.

“Saturday is crucial to us, and barring a disaster I cannot see us not getting promoted,” said men’s team manager, Luke Byrne.

“But we still have to turn up and do a job. While we are missing some of our younger athletes, the older ones will be out and I am confident we have every event covered.”

A squad of almost 50 athletes, officials and coaches will be departing on the club coach early on Saturday for what will be a long but hopefully historic day.

“We are both extremely proud of the commitment athletes and coaches have given to the senior ladies team this season,” said Rachel Moscrop, who is joint manager of the women's team with Keeleigh Chapman.

“Everyone who has attended matches has offered to slot into events they don’t train for to benefit the overall performance and results for the club. We are looking forward to the last Plymouth fixture in the hope to secure promotion to Division Two next year.”

After finishing second in the opening match, the Harriers have won the next two to put themselves in pole position for the weekend, and a third win on the bounce will see them crowned champions in style.

In the men’s team will be Matt Woodward, fresh from another PB in the 800m at the British Milers’ Club Grand Prix in Manchester clocking 1mins 53.09secs.

“The main focus is to get promotion and end the season on a high this weekend,” said Woodward. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Holly Scott added another two medals to her growing list of achievements at the Midland Counties Championships in Nuneaton over the weekend with gold in the U15 girls hammer courtesy of a throw of 39.91m as well as a silver in the shot with a throw of 8.17m.

Ethan Pierce produced a superb run in the Lightning Bolt 10 road race, incorporating both the South West Inter-Counties and Wiltshire Championships, finishing sixth of the 407 runners.

Moreover, his time of 32mins 19secs slashed 2mins 25secs off his previous PB, and while official county results have yet to be issued it looks like Pierce finished second Wiltshire runner behind overall winner Harry Smith of Salisbury (30:36).