EXETER Harriers' women have written themselves into the club's history books with a superb league and cup double on the same day.

Splitting the squad in two, one group went to London for the British Athletics League Cup final while another took part in the final match of the Southern Women's League Division Three at Exeter Arena.

Team manager Dave Robinson had agonised over his priorities — the glory of the cup versus the bread-and-butter of the league. The only answer was to win them both.

"The league team were given a boost early on in the afternoon as the news came through that the cup squad had brilliantly won their competition," said Robinson. "Now was the chance for the Exeter team to make it a winning double."

The league match was dominated by Exeter and Plymouth, who drafted in international sprinter Katherine Endacott.

Anna Rust and Beth Shearman did four events each, with Rust scoring wins in the 400m hurdles and the 3,000m and second places in the 100m hurdles and the high jump.

Shearman achieved second places in all four throwing events, the pick of them a throw over 28 metres in the hammer.

Gabi Tillson-Hawke was second to Endacott in both sprints and Kerry Gale won the 400m. Debutante Rosie Barrett won the high jump and shot and was second in the 200m, with veteran Jackie Walpole second in the 800m and first in the 400m.

There were double wins for Beth Camp (800m and 3,000m), Emily Bliss (400m hurdles and 1,500m) and Beth Skinner (long and triple jumps), with Chloe Gimbuta first in the long jump. Laurie Dugdale was second in the 1,500m and discus.

The final result was a match win for Exeter by just nine points from Plymouth and their fourth win in five matches to clinch the title by over 60 points.

"It is what the athletes deserve after all their efforts," added Robinson. "To win the cup as well ensured it was a fantastic double for the club and a memorable day."

Match result: 1 Exeter Harriers 104.5, 2 City of Plymouth AC 95.5, 3 Croydon Harriers 62.5, 4 Highgate Harriers 17.5

Final Division Three standings: 1 Exeter Harriers 502.5, 2 Thurrock Harriers 441, 3 Woking 434, 4 Norwich 387, 5 Hillingdon 379

The cup match featured 10 events and, while the club didn't secure any individual wins, seven second places ensured a thrilling two points victory over Rugby & Northampton AC.

On the track there were second places for Jenny Robinson in the 100m hurdles (14.91secs), Chloe Anderson in the 800m (2.16.43), Sophie Skinner in the 200m (25.08secs), Katherine Humphreys in the 3,000m (10.24.26) and Becca Chapman in the 100m.

In the field, runner-up spots came from Leonie Rowe in the triple jump (10.59m) and the pole vault.

In the javelin Chapman was disappointed to only finish third with 30.29m, with Anna Bowyer fourth (33.54m) in the hammer. Emily Weeks was fourth in the 400m (59.70secs).

It meant going into the final event, the medley relay, Exeter were one of four clubs still capable of lifting the cup.

Robinson, Anderson and Weeks gave the Harriers a great start and it was left to Skinner on the final 400m to clinch victory which she did with a superb run.

"It was a fitting end to an outstanding team performance," said cup manager Gordon Seward.