DEFENDING champions Sunderland Harriers are set to achieve their third-ever grand slam of six senior men's team victories in the final Start Fitness North-East Harrier League meeting of the season at Blaydon today.

The Wearsiders, who crowned their Centenary Year in December by winning the coveted North-East Cross Country men's team championship, have proved unbeatable in the first five Harrier League fixtures - a complete contrast to last season when they retained the trophy only on countback after finishing level on points with arch-rivals Morpeth Harriers.

The Northumbrians have been hit this season by injuries and the unavailability of their best athletes and were disappointed to lose their North-East championship at Bishop Auckland after a run of nine consecutive wins.

Success in this year's Sherman Cup at South Shields was scant compensation for Morpeth, who, at full strength, are still regarded as being easily the strongest senior men's club in the region, and finishing last in the penultimate Harrier League fixture at Consett was an indication of their recent predicament.

Morpeth will also be losing the individual senior men's title after two victories by stalwart Terry Wall, who has not competed this season. The title has been won - for a sixth time - by Chester-le-Street's popular and prolific racer Stewy Bell.

The championship is decided on the best four runs from six and 38-year-old former Great Britain international has 36 points from two firsts, a second and fourth placing. His closes rival, Steven Potts, of Sunderland Harriers, currently has 32 points and the most he can rise to with a victory today is 35 - so the title is already decided.

Potts, however, must fend off a late challenge by Alnwick's David Kirkland, to take the silver medal.

Today's meeting will be the last for League secretary Audrey Ogle, who is retiring after 15 years in charge. Her replacement has yet to be found and to encourage volunteers Mrs Ogle has offered to work alongside the new secretary for a settling-in period.

Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers and Hartlepool Council tomorrow stage the Hartlepool Marina 5 Mile Road Race.

The event was held for the first time last year and because of the success, it will now be a regular fixture in the town's sporting calendar. Tomorrow's race, in which European and Commonwealth super-bantamweight title holder Michael Hunter is taking part, starts at 10.30am at the Historic Quay and take in a route along the promenade to Seaton Carew and back to the Marina.