ISLAND Games 800m champion Tom Druce joked that he wanted more 400m training from his coach after producing a stunning run at the Birmingham Games. Druce became the second-fastest Guernseyman over 400m when he clocked a personal best 48.71sec. to win the two-lap race at the National Indoor Arena.

The Bath-based athlete said he wants his mentor, Lee Merrien, to set him more 400m training schedules after an excellent few days on the boards both in Birmingham and in Manchester.

‘I’m sure I can go sub 48sec. outdoors this summer,’ said Druce, who had dropped his lifetime indoor best to 49.33 at the Reebok Open in Manchester on Friday.

Saturday’s performance in Birmingham lifted him above former Hampshire champion Stuart Tolcher in the island’s all-time list and only Dale Garland now sits above him.

‘I skipped the final to run the 800 and front-ran that to win in 1-53.80 which is an indoor personal best.

‘I felt good despite it being my fourth race in a few days.’