Promotion joy for Harriers

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Thames Valley Harriers manager Paul Oppe has spoken of his joy at the club’s promotion to Division One.

Oppe’s team were third in the table going into their final match of the season at Derby, where Basingstoke’s last-placed finish meant they were leapfrogged by Harriers, who edged out Exeter to take the second promotion place.

Oppe said: “It is only when you experience the release of emotions at the end of such a tough season that you realise how important this promotion is to the team managers and athletes.

“I can’t tell you how impressed I was with the performance of every single athlete – I am proud to be the manager to such a talented and committed team. We are already making plans for 2012.”

The track man of the match award was presented to Chris Smith for his personal best of 9:25.57 for second place in the 3000 metres steeplechase.

Steve Whyte (pictured above) was the field man of the match for his massive contribution in the hammer (53.67m), discus (42.26m) and shot (13.86m).