Ten-time Sherman Cup champions Sunderland Harriers were knocked out of the medals before the start of the competition at South Shields on Saturday.
The event, based on the overall cross country strength of North East clubs, saw the Wearsiders fail to turn out an Under-17 men’s team.
This relegated the club to fourth place as only three of the 33 competing clubs managed a full complement of five teams for the various age groups.
The competition was won by Morpeth with 10 points. Gosforth were second on 32 and Gateshead third with 42.
If Sunderland had managed to turn out a team, and even if they had finished last in the Under-17s, they would have finished second overall.
Houghton Harriers were in the same boat as Sunderland as they finished fifth overall after also having no Under-17 men’s team.
The same fate also befell Sunderland Harriers women’s team, who were competing for the Davison Shield.

Read More: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/athletics/sunderland-harriers-out-of-the-sherman-cup-medals-as-lack-of-an-under-17-team-hits-hard-1-8248787