ILFORD runner Scott Davis impressed representing Scotland in the Gran Premio Citta Di Lugano 20K walk held over a flat 2km circuit on the scenic banks of Switzerland s Lake Lugano. It was a European Athletics Permit Meeting, only open to certain athletes,

ILFORD runner Scott Davis impressed representing Scotland in the Gran Premio Citta Di Lugano 20K walk held over a flat 2km circuit on the scenic banks of Switzerland's Lake Lugano.

It was a European Athletics Permit Meeting, only open to certain athletes, and there was a top class international field.

From the off, Davis maintained a fast pace, hitting halfway in an excellent 47 minutes and 15 seconds before finishing 21st (from 44) in 1:34.10.

The time was close to his personal best which had been set some years ago and helpedthe Ilford athlete closer towards the Commonwealth Games time standard.

The ability to hold a steady fast pace is a tactic that Davis has honed to perfection, as seen by his status as the reigning UK National 50K champion for the past four years, when successfully employing such strategies to wear down rivals.

On the undercard, there was a Masters 10K held simultaneously with the main event, which saw sprightly Ilford veteran Alan O'Rawe place ninth from 11 in 1:06 .52.

Nearer home, at the Lee Valley Stadium, Dave Sharpe contested the over-55s British Masters 3,000m Championship Walk over 15 banked circuits of an indoor track.

Sharpe was undone by a dark horse in Birchfield Harrier Peter Boszco, who only raced seven times in 2008 but still broke the tape in 16.34, with the Ilford man striking silver in 17.10.

Ilford's squad return to Pickets Lock en masse for a heavily sponsored Enfield League five-mile race on Saturday at 2pm.