A spirited performance by the UK Women's team saw them place sixth and hold on to their national Division 2 status in the third and final UK Women's fixture at Liverpool on Sunday. 

In this close fought division a few points either way meant the difference between relegation and a third place finish so every point gained by the team was vital. On the day although the HMAC squad were just two points above bottom placed Swansea 8 more points would have placed them fifth and lifted them to third place in the table. 

Faye Fullerton and Louise Mathews provided the only victories in the 3000m and javelin respectively, with Emma Christmas's season's best earning B string javelin runners up spot and she added two precious long jump B points. 

Kirsty Smith was a good second in the triple jump, set a 100m PB and contested the long jump and relay. Harriet Scott was third in the 800m A and also set a 400m PB, and ran the opening 4x400m relay leg. 

Mel Harrison shrugged off the effects of a virus to compete and although below her usual level gained important points in her three throws, with her best position third in the B hammer and also ran the sprint relay. Her throwing partner Vicky Thompson also contested shot & discus in addition to her usual hammer, picking up eight points.

Chloe van Wulven returned from holiday still nursing a hamstring strain picked up when winning her English Schools' medal but gallantly competed in three events, finishing fourth in the high jump.

The two Robyns - Delivett & Matson - both competed in two track events and the 4x400m relay and Robyn D also triple jumped. Hannah Gamester set a season's best in the 100m as well as going close to her pole vault club record where Danielle Ross earned an important fourth place in the B string. 

In the middle distance events Vicky Smith's league debut was rewarded by fourth place in the B 800m in a season's best & only just outside her PB, Lesley Felton covered the gap in the 1500m to place fifth while Helen Biscoe stepped into the breach to contest her first track race since 2002 placing a fine fourth in the B 3000m.

After the horrendous travelling this season - Wigan, Swansea & Liverpool - next year looks better as promoted Cardiff & Glasgow give way to Windsor & Rugby while relegated Liverpool & Swansea's places are taken by Belgrave & Milton Keynes.   

It was all credit to those who made the trip that their hard-working efforts on a hot day secured another season at this level and the chance to vie for promotion to the top UK division next summer.