Tamworth ACs senior Men and Woman were in cross country action last W/E competing in the Birmingham & District Cross Country League Div#2 and Midland Woman’s Cross Country League resp. Both events were held over a heavy playing field course at Crypt high school at Blackridge, Gloucester.

Birmingham & District Cross Country League – The men’s team were bolstered by new members Martin Bell and Simon Stretton, both of whom were running their first cross country events for many years. Ran over a unusually short 5.25 mile, 3 ½ lap course a fast race was always going to be on the cards despite the heavy ground. From the starters gun, a very much inform Jason George was out fast and helping to force the pace over the opening small lap, so encouraging to see a Tamworth athlete at the front of the race, ‘my aim was to have a solid race and finish in the top 20 again’, the pace of the race picked-up going into the first of the three long laps and George started to drift off the lead pace but still very much holding his own within the race. After a very strong last lap George was to finish in 18^th place, another very good performance in a very competitive race. The ever reliable Howard Bush was next to finish for Tamworth with a hard earned result for 46^th place. Ben Evans improved on his previous finishing position with 65^th place, ‘XC is still new for me and it is taking time for me to get used to it but I am determined to do so’ comments Evans after his race. The young Bikram Singh had a tough race, working hard throughout the race to get his result of 81^st place overall and 8^th junior. TAC chairman was next home in 86^th place followed by Martin Bell making his Tamworth XC debut into 99^th place, a great performance. Andy Wright was home in 101^st place followed by Simon Stretton, also making his TAC debut in 153^rd place. After a difficult period with injuries Derek Bolton bounced back with a good race to finish in 207^th place.

The race was won by Shaun Evans of Royal Sutton Coldfield, followed by Chris Perrin of Cannock & Staffs and Stuart Hawkes of Amazing Feet in 3^rd place.

In the all-important team event, Tamworth finished in 12^th place with 395 points, the race was won by Leamington AC 129 points from Royal Sutton Coldfield 204 points and Cannock & Stafford 206 points.

Overall, Leamington AC lead with 538 points, from Cannock & Stafford 541 points and Knowle & Dorridge 577 points. Tamworth AC athletes are doing themselves proud in a very good 7^th place with 937 points.

The last race of the league series takes place on Saturday 13^th Feb, again at Blackridge, Gloucester but ran over a different course.