ILFORD AC walker Scott Davies clinched a silver medal at the National 10 Miles Road Walking Championships at the weekend. Over 10 twisting circuits at the Lee Valley Sports Complex in Ponders End on Saturday, Davies, finished behind eventual winner, Steyn

ILFORD AC walker Scott Davies clinched a silver medal at the National 10 Miles Road Walking Championships at the weekend.

Over 10 twisting circuits at the Lee Valley Sports Complex in Ponders End on Saturday, Davies, finished behind eventual winner, Steyning AC competitor Darryl Stone.

It was a fine performance from Davies who was up against a tough line-up, including internationals Tommy Taylor (Birchfield Harriers) and Luke Finch (Colchester Harriers).

But once clear of the pack, spectators were treated to a fascinating duel between the 2008 champion Stone and an always pressing Davies.

The Ilford AC combatant ran Stone hard and was always within striking distance. He was a visibly relieved man to break the tape in one hour 13 minutes and 49 seconds with Davies second in 1:14.10.

The next Ilford finisher was Franciso Reis, who again showed improvement in what is his comeback season, as he filled 11th position in 87.54.

Ilford's team were closed-in by Steve Uttley, who came 12th in 1:33.27. The trio enabled Ilford to win the team silver medal, narrowly losing out to victors Steying AC by just 10 points.

For two Ilford members it was not to be their day, as both Stephen Crane and Bob Dobson fell foul of the judges and were disqualified.

Further down the order, Dave Sharpe placed 27th in 1:42.36, while in 30th spot came injury-hampered Olly Browne, clocking 1:44.34.

In 39th position was Micky Sutton, who admitted that running a 50K race the previous weekend had taken too much out of him.

After racing he was presented with his certificate for completing a 100 miles walk at Newmarket last July in under 24 hours.

At the Essex Championship, Davies easily retained his title, with Sharpe collecting bronze and Ilford retaining the team award.