Local ladies are in fine form for cross country race in the Park (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Local ladies are in fine form for cross country race in the Park

CIRENCESTER AC ladies scored their most dominant victory ever in last Sunday's fourth round of the Oxford Cross Country League in Cirencester Park.

For not only did Wendy Jones retain her unbeaten record, but she was backed up by Ellen Leggate, Cathy Cook and Jane Wassell to fill four out of the top five places.

At one stage, the club was heading for a clean sweep of the top places.

In the end, Wendy stamped her authority to make light of the tough course to lead all the way and finish over a minute clear of Ellen.

Cathy Cook fought hard with Headington's leading runner throughout the race but had to concede the place over the final half-mile.

Jane Wassell finished in an unchallenged fifth place 20 seconds behind and again won the O35 age category.

Strong runs by Helen Langsam and Kim Ingleby gave Cirencester B team fourth place. The result gave Cirencester A a clear victory to move them 48 points ahead of Witney with one round left.

The host club's men's team were once again put in the shade by the ladies with only Keith Firkin managing to finish in the top 50.

Kevin Ferris was ahead in the early stages but slipped back on the second lap to finish over a minute behind.

Third man home for the club was Marc Fallows who continues to improve while Dave Wright moved through the field to be fourth finisher in his second race of the weekend.

Tim Collings was next, just pipping Bill Leggate who made his usual fast start. Completing the club's team scorers, just outside the top 100, was Pete Langsam.

He had his best run of the season to overtake both Dave Cook and Bob Ferris on the final lap to head this closely matched trio.

The team kept their eighth place in the league and should avoid relegation from the first division.

The club were represented by an encouraging number in junior races with Laura Eales, Laura Hobson and Emily Stevens all making their debuts.

The best results came in the U11s girls' race where Lucy Vass just pipped Beth Pudifoot on the line to finish seventh and eighth in the same time.

Dan Warriner finished tenth in the U11s boys' race while Jack Stevens kept his record of finishing in every Oxford League race for several years by coming 12th in the U13s.

Although recent heavy rain and strong winds made the tough course even more challenging than usual, everyone enjoyed their races through the scenic woodlands of Cirencester Park.

The club was again commended on its excellent organisation by officials of the Oxford League.

The fifth and final round is at Banbury on March 7.

Cirencester AC's results are as follows:

U11s girls: 7 Lucy Vass 5m43s, 8 Beth Pudifoot 5.43, 15 Jess Davies 6.23, 16 Laura Eales 6.43, 18 Laura Hobson 6.54, 24 Emily Stevens 9.45; U11s boys: 10 Dan Warriner 5.48, 22 Tom Hollis 7.18; U13s girls: 18 Sophie McKeeman 11.15, 19 Alice Thomas 12.15; U13s boys: 12 Jack Stevens 10.40.

Senior ladies: 1 Wendy Jones 23.20; 2 Ellen Leggate 24.26; 4 Cathy Cook 25.06; 5 Jane Wassell 25.24; 15 Helen Langsam 27.53; 27 Kim Ingleby 29.57; 40 Sue McKeeman 31.12; 51 Carol Clarke 32.21; 70 Kim Withycombe 35.14.

Senior men: 47 Keith Firkin 38.08; 67 Kevin Ferris 39.30; 77 Marc Fallows 40.15; 80 Dave Wright 40.30; 87 Tim Collings 40.41; 89 Bill Leggate 40.49; 104 Pete Langsam 41.48; 106 Bob Ferris 42.02; 109 Dave Cook 42.17; 128 Chris Riches 44.24; 141 Dick Waldron 45.48; 169 Bob May 50.08.