THE final race in the Herefordshire Winter Cross Country series was held at Presteigne, over a hilly wooded course, where the wind had helped dry up the worst of the mud.

The outcome of both the men's and ladies' events was decided in advance, but both Matt James (Couriers) and Suzanne Turvey (Croft Ambrey) once again beat off their rivals, Matt winning his race in 45.24, 20 seconds ahead of Christian Jones (Wye Valley), and Suzanne 14 seconds up on Lisa Quinn (Couriers).

But both were beaten on the day by a Junior lady (Clara Evans), who sped round the course nearly two minutes faster.

First Croft runner home in the men's race was Stacey Morgan (10th, 48.22) who was two places behind Simon Norwood of Ludlow Runners.

Richard Hornsby was 14th (50.07), with Nigel Misselbrook (22nd, 52.04) and Dan Barnett (23rd, 22.09) completing the A team, bringing them home third out of 18 teams.

Dave George, still nursing an injury, ran well to finish 30th (53.59), Jimmy Charalambous also fought well to come home 39th (58.14), Tom Davies gained a few places over the last mile to finish 44th (59.11), ahead of Guy Whitmarsh 46th (59.55), putting the B team in 8th place.

Neil Taylor (47th, 60.10), Gary Gunner (48th, 60.19) and Brian Davies (62nd, 69.17) also ran.

In the ladies' race, Nicky Turvey finished 8th (29.28) just under two minutes behind her victorious daughter.

Karen Preston continues to run well ( 22nd, 34.34), just beating Rachel Nelson (24th, 35.20), but the run of the day was achieved by Kim Wood, moving up some 10 places to 25th (35.42).

Neil Taylor was third over 50 over the series, Tom Davies second and Gary Gunner third over 60, and Bryan Markham 1st over 65; Suzanne Turvey won both the Senior Ladies' and the Junior Ladies' title, Nicky Turvey was second over 45, Rachel Nelson second over 40 and Kim Wood a surprised third Senior Lady.

Croft Ambrey Ladies were placed second team, out of 12.

All in all, an excellent season for Croft Ambrey, and for the ladies in particular.