BURY AC’s task in the last Northern League fixture at Cleckheaton was to finish finish in first place to avoid relegation but they could not achieve their aim.

They finished fourth and that confirmed relegation to Division Three despite battling well all season.

Finishing first was a tall order and the appearance of Olympic athlete Jessica Judd on Blackburn’s team sheet, not once but in three races, effectively closed the door.

That said, Bury did not go down without a fight.

Brandon Quinton, who is still three years younger than the formal age category, produced another personal-best time in the 1500m with 4mins 6secs for fourth place.

Christie Cooke had the unenviable task of racing Judd in the 800m, and the Blackburn athlete dominated the race from the gun leaving the whole field in her wake in 2:05, with Cooke third in 2:21.

Wins were at a premium for Bury but talented sprinter Emanuel Mufakai produced a highlight with another fine performance in the 100m.

Several people put in sterling workloads to try and amass enough points, notably team captain Lizzie Cheshire and Nicola Quick who covered 10 events between them, while the men's competition saw Paul Horrocks compete in all four throws.

Gary Crowshaw, in his first track meeting for four years, competed in four events, including the 110m hurdles.

He is only the second Bury athlete to score points in this event this year.

Bury, who thanked the officials who give their time freely, have been competitive in all four league fixtures and were only edged out in three matches by less than five points out of 200.