Walmsley finishes as victor of Bourton Roadrunners' series (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Walmsley finishes as victor of Bourton Roadrunners' series

THE Tewkesbury five-mile heralded the penultimate race in the Bourton Roadrunners' 'Six from Ten' road race series.

Yet again, the club was well represented with 18 of their number lining up at the start on this flat, one-lap course on a breezy and overcast autumn morning.

Bourton's Dennis Walmsley and Mike Smith, who were first and second respectively in the road race series, got off to a good start.

Walmsley started off steady and shared the lead with Cheltenham Harriers' Dan Duke until the latter dropped out of the race at 3.5 miles, leaving his rival to cruise home to victory in 25 minutes and 59 seconds.

With team-mate Mike Smith never really getting going, he finished in third place in 26.44.

Also getting into the top five with another fine run was Trevor McGill who finished fifth in 27.09.

With Warmsley gaining maximum points in this race over Smith, this means he finishes as victor of the club's road race series.

The first Bourton lady home with another consistent run was Ali Lane 33rd overall in 31.59.

Sarah Clemo also ran well with another personal best, finishing in 35.00 and knocking 22 seconds off her previous time.

The ladies' road race title was also decided with Ali Lane now 11 points ahead of her nearest rival.

But like the men's section, second and third places will not decided until the Eynsham 10k at the end of the month.

Also decided at Tewkesbury was the county road race series and, again, Walmsley was named as county champion.

Ali Lane finished second overall and first lady vet 45 while Sarah Clemo was third overall and second vet 35. In her first year of competitive racing, Brioney Lloyd finished third vet 35.

Results: D Walmsley 1st 25.59, M Smith 3rd 26.44, T McGill 5th 27.09, J Raper 23rd 31.10, T Spedding 31st 31.48, A Lane 33rd 31.59, N Lane 44th 32.53, R Woodley 56th 34.37, S Clemo 62nd 35.00, R Humphries 67th 35.48, B Hulcup 70th 36.04, K Hall 77th 37.57, E Rozier 80th 38.13, L Spedding 82nd 38.28, L Hudson 88th 39.18, P Teague 95th 40.01, J Wilson 104th 41.49, L Hulcup 110th 43.11.

On the same day, the first round of the Oxford Cross County League took place.

However, with most member putting in an appearance at Tewkesbury, only three men turned up at Ascott-under-Wychwood to run this tough course.

Kevin Wise, first home for the club in 149th place, was followed by Robin McDonald in 170th.

He had a close battle with Derek Wise who finished in 176th place.