ATHLETICS: First-hand knowledge of the course helped Sunderland Harrier Tim Field to a second victory in yesterday's Pier to Pier race between South Shields and Roker, writes FRANK JOHNSON.

The 42-year-old veteran found himself ten metres adrift of younger rival Ashley Henderson a mile from the finish of the seven-mile multi-terrain event - but as the Blyth runner chose to dip down on to the beach Field elected to stay on the path, gaining a 50 metre advantage which he maintained until the finish.

"Knowing the course definitely helped," admitted Field, who won in 2001. "I was in the lead for most of the race but he got ahead of me a couple of times. It was tough into the wind and he seemed very strong but I had no idea who he was.

"I knew I had a little bit left and I got back in front by choosing to stick to the path - it made all the difference."

Field's time of 39 mins 14 secs was 2½ minutes slower than his course record, but he was pleased to have a ten-second winning margin at the head of a record 500-strong field.

Louise Noble made it a double for Sunderland Harriers by retaining her women's crown, despite having an injury scare earlier in the week.

"I fell from a bench in my kitchen at home and I hurt my ankle," said the 26-year-old North-East 10K and half marathon champion. "I've twisted a ligament but it didn't affect me during the race."

Noble, who will defend her title in Sunday's Raby Castle 10K, finished 22nd overall in 44 mins 39 secs, beating runner-up Michelle Holt, also of Sunderland Harriers, by nearly two minutes.

Results - Men: 1 T Field (Sunderland) 39.14; 2 A Henderson (Blyth) 39.24; 3 D Weaton (Sund) 41.01; 4 R Hand (Durham City M45) 41.07; 5 G Hetherington (Sedgefield M45) 41.58; 6 K Stephenson (Elswick M40) 42.15.

Women: 1 L Noble (Sund) 44.39; 2 M Holt (Sund) 46.29; 3 G Barry (Sund) 49.25; 4 J Atkinson (Newton Aycliffe W35) 49.44; 5 A McLean (Low Fell) 51.09.