THE Howorth brothers will be out in force at the England Athletics Championships in Bedford this weekend.

The boys from Hilperton are entered for three events and, if they can produce their best form, will be in contention for a place on the podium in one of the showpiece competitions of the summer.

John would certainly like to finish among the medals in the U17 men’s 1500m steeplechase after suffering the heartache of finishing fourth in the final of the English Schools’ Championships in the same event.

The 16-year-old St Augustine’s Catholic College student has made tremendous progress in the event this season but will not only need to be sharp over the barrier, but will also need some luck as there is a big field of 14 runners entered, increasing the danger of falling.

Likewise, the same applies for twin Robert, who is also entered of the steeplechase. Like John, he has made huge strides this season, culminating in his sixth-place finish at the English Schools’.

The twins are in action on Saturday, as is 14-year-old Rory, who faces the heats of the U15 boys’ 800m due to a big entry.

Rory has enjoyed a terrific season on the track, with big PBs over 800m (2:01.96) and 1500m (4:10.30) As long as he can safely negotiate the heats, Rory will be a danger in the final and is certainly a potential medal-contender – and like John, will be looking to go one better than his fourth-place in the junior boys’ 1500m at the English Schools’.

“It is a tough competition and you just don’t know what might happen,” said mum Caroline.

l TOM Gale ended his season by not only winning his third Great Britain U20s vest but also his first international medal.

The 17-year-old Trowbridge high jumper cleared 2.14m for second place in the inaugural Manchester International last week, representing GB U20s against a host of senior teams from the host nations, a combined British Athletics League/UK Women’s League team and the Armed Forces.

With no pressure on having to deliver a result, it was the perfect way for Gale to wrap up an amazing summer that has catapulted him into the limelight.

“The medal was great and while it is my first international one, I’ll keep pretty humble about it as it is not a big a major championships,” said Gale.

“I was pleased to get a few scalps as well. Now I am having a break from training but I am already looking to getting back into it again.”

TEAM Bath again proved victorious in the third Avon League match at Yate on Sunday. The club won with 1,078 points to Yate’s 1,046.5, with the other sides well behind.

“These points are provisional and subject to amendments but that puts us on one point ahead of Yate with one match to go,” said team spokeswoman Di Viles.

Among the 20 individual winners, there were victories for Wiltshire athletes Rory Howorth in the U15s 800m (2:04.1) and 80m hurdles (12.6) and Hayden Bailey in the U17s 800m in (2:00.6).

All-rounder Jenna Blundell had another good day, winning the U17s 80m hurdles (11.9), the long jump (4.87m) and finishing second in the javelin with a PB of 311.59m behind Imogen Hurst (31.73m).

Other winners were Phoebe Card in the U13 girls’ 75m (10.3), Ebony Hammond in the U13 girls 70m hurdles (12.1), Ellie Mount in the U15 girls 75m hurdles (12.9), Gabriella Holt in the U17 women’s hammer (39.28m) and Will Browne in the U15 boys’ 100m (11.7).