SENIORS

1 ROBBIE BUGDEN - Rob continued his return to form running for the RAF by inflicting defeat on Blackpool international Anthony Ford to score an impressive victory in a cross-country match against teams representing the British Fire Brigade, British Police and the Civil Service. This latest success should give him renewed confidence for this Saturday's Midland championships at Stafford.

2 CLAIRE HALLISSEY - Claire celebrated her international cross-country debut by finishing 16th in a high-class field in last weekend's McCains UK Cross Challenge race in Antrim. Although the best part of two minutes down on the winner Mary Cullen, she was less than a minute down on recently crowned European champion Hayley Yelling-Higham, who took 5th place. She too will be looking to make a strong challenge in Saturday's Midland championships as she finished well clear of one of the other leading contenders for the title Tina Brown from Coventry.

3 DAVE GREEN - Dave proved that he is making a steady return to form by dipping under 16 minutes again to finish a close 4th in 15:55 at the latest Bridge Inn 5K road race, in which just 8 seconds covered the first five home.

Although not quite reaching top three ranking status this week, mention is also due to VICKY TESTER and HOLLY WILLIAMSON, who turned in two creditable efforts. Vicky posted a much better time than of late in the Bridge Inn 5K, clocking 18:45, while Holly was only just pipped for second place in the inaugural Lawrence Weston Moorland multi-terrain 10K.

U20 JUNIORS

1 ROSEMARY HURFORD - Rosemary continued to make her increasing presence felt in the Hurford family running dynasty by finishing a close second just 7 seconds behind the favourite Marcia Bower from Bath.in the Avon Schools Senior Girls cross-country championship. Could she yet go on to follow in her mother's footsteps as a member of the senior team?

There were no other U20 junior performances for consideration this week as the Wessex League event was cancelled.

MASTERS

1 MICK O'DOHERTY - Mick continued his build up to his 50th birthday next, month by beating all bar Bideford's Dan Mapp of the 265 finishers in the Alby Memorial 10M road race at Braunton in North Devon, covering the tough undulating course in 58:14.

2 PHIL PARRY - Phil showed he is beginning to find his racing feet again by matching strides with his younger rivals in that thrilling finish to Tuesday's Bridge Inn 5K. Although having eventually to concede defeat, he also broke 16 minutes and was only 8 seconds behind the winner in 5th place.

3 JON GOODLAND - As consistent as ever Jon again took the V50 accolade in the Bridge Inn 5K race, clocking another impressive time of 17:33 for the 5K distance.

Now for those Midland championships. Keith and I wish everyone of our runners the best of luck. Let's make it a medal haul and prove we are the Midlands' top club.

Mike Down
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