Crawley, as was to be expected, finished last in the their final British League division three match at Southampton, but they still received a standing ovation from the crowd.

The Sussex team were doomed to relegation but still went to Southampton determined to fill every event.

Most of the athletes competed in three or four events, many doing disciplines they had not attempted before.

Team manager Mark Sheridan said: "We knew we were going to be relegated but this is no reason not to do your best with the athletes available and really enjoy yourself.

"The boys responded tremendously. We knew we were well below full strength, but we decided we would give our all.

"I'm very proud of the athletes who travelled to Southampton. It may have appeared a lost cause but I think we fulfilled the spirit of athletics and competition.

"This is what athletics is about, competition, and we should not shy away from it."

Ashley Ward is not a long jumper, but a long jumper was needed so he stepped up, in more ways than one as his distance of 3.80 metres confirmed.

Ward was the highest-placed Crawley athlete with a good second place in the discus with 40.88m.

He also made a rare appearance in the hammer and was rewarded with a personal best of 27.21m.

Kevin Holland competed in the 100, 400, 800 and 5,000 metre events as well as a relay.

It was, however, the team manager who led by example, taking third place in the hammer with 45.37m.

He finished sixth in the B shot putt, he contested the high jump and he also ran a leg in the final event of the day, the 4x400 metres relay.

Brighton and Hove's Nigel Gates made another return to racing following his Achilles problems and duly won the Kings Head Canter in his home village of East Hoathley.

Gates who organised the first of these races five years ago and has chalked up more than his fair share of victories. He won by 70 metres in 16mins 04secs.

Eastbourne's Sarah Coope took the women's event.