LUDLOW’S Amy Fulford will be looking to build on her first Herefordshire Cross Country League victory at Sunday’s inaugural meeting at Rotherwas.

Fulford led the way as Ludlow Runners women claimed second spot in the team section behind Wye Valley last time around at Croft Castle.

Reigning champion Nicola Davies (Maldwyn Harriers) set a strong early pace over the one-and-a-half lap course but Fulford played the waiting game, reeling in her rival before breaking away over the final mile to secure her maiden triumph by more than 30 seconds.

It was the end of a long wait for Fulford who had been in contention during several previous meetings. Davies held on for second ahead of Wye Valley’s Laura Tootell.

Wye Valley claimed the bragging rights courtesy of Danca Machackova and Kate Owen finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Ludlow’s support cast comprised Eilish Gilbert in eighth and Viv Dempsey in 18th, helping their side to remain two points clear of third-placed Croft Castle, who featured 64-year-old Liz Bowers in ninth.

Maldwyn’s imperious reigning league champion Tim Davies came out on top again but enjoyed a tense battle with Builth’s Jonny Pugh in the men’s race.

The rivals quickly forged ahead and traded breakaways before Davies finally powered away on the long downhill track into Fishpool Valley on the last lap.

He maintained a six-second lead to prolong his sequence of undefeated runs in the league despite his sternest test of the campaign to date.

Eliot Taylor ran a fine solo race to finish a clear third for Hereford Couriers, leading his team to a resounding win.

Valuable assistance came from winter league debutant Charlie Jones in seventh and two former league champions in Matt James (9th) and veteran Russell James (14th).