LAWRENCE Clarke completed his preparations for the Commonwealth Games with a fourth-placed finish at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games at Horse Guards Parade yesterday, writes STUART WEIR.

The 110m hurdler, from Christmas Common, made a fast start in the final, but couldn’t maintain his pace.

The 24-year-old hit the final hurdle to finish last of the four competitors, crossing the line in 13.63secs as Andy Turner took the win in 13.49.

Clarke was refusing to get too downbeat, insisting his run will put him in good shape for Glasgow.

“I got out well and was going well, but I hit the last hurdle,” he said.

“I went out of my lane just before it – the track started moving – and couldn’t get back in position.

“The start was my worst bit last week in Glasgow, but today was the best bit. “Hopefully at the Commonwealth Games I will be able to put it all together.

“I am so focused on the Commonwealth Games that perhaps I didn’t focus enough on today.”

Clarke is excited about the Games, feeling that his three races in the last week have set him up well for Glasgow.

“I am actually further ahead of where I thought I would be,” he said.

“Just because I have not pieced together my races has not knocked my confidence. The rhythm is there.

“My race last Tuesday in Lucerne was really good –almost flawless.”

Of the event, where a temporary track was built in the former London 2012 beach volleyball venue, Clarke said: “It is amazing. I wish there were events more like it.

“In my opinion, this is what athletics should be.”

  • HANNAH England continued her preparations by taking victory in the 800m at the Iffley Miles meeting in Oxford on Saturday.

The Oxford City athlete won in a time of 2mins 0.5secs.