SATURDAY saw the penultimate fixture of the North Wales Cross Country League held in Shrewsbury.

This was a new course and proved to be much hillier than expected.

In the women’s race of 5.5 kilometres, there was a large turnout from Denbigh Harries.

First home for the women in a field of 137 runners was Rhian Pierce, in 20th overall in 20 minutes and 29 seconds.

She was followed by Emma Collins (26th in 25.05), who was the first F55. After a good race between the two, Emma was closely followed by Mel Morris (28th in 25.19).

Other Harriers' results: 39, Katy Baugh 26.21; 45, Elen Baugh 27.00; 52, Alaw Medi 27.48; 55, Mari Williams 28.12; 63, Carys Davies 28.37; 83, Menai Baugh 30.50 (2nd F60).

This performance put the women third on the day and fourth in Division One.

In the M65+ race run over the same course as the women, Fred Jones put in another strong performance to finish seventh in 27.36, followed in a lucky 13th by Bob Neale (30.22).

Other results: 15, Chris Baldwin 30.47; 19, Jeff Jones 33.12.

This result puts the team in third place, but with all to run for in the last fixture.

The Men’s team was a little depleted on the day with a couple of usual high placing runners absent or carrying injuries.

Nevertheless, there was a strong performance from the team, meaning that if everyone turns up for the final fixture in February the men will be making a return to Division One.

The team was led home on the 8.3k four-lap course by Joe Welch.

He was 60th in 34.42, although he was not fully fit for the race.

With a superb final lap, Glen Price was 70th in 35.44.

Other results: 81, Owen Conry 36.36; 88, Huw Euron Williams 36.54s; 89, David Baugh 37.02; 112, Mat Jones 39.06; 129, Duncan Jones 40.50; 133, Tony Benton 41.16s.

Parkrun results:

Bushy Park: 824, Sian Pritchard 28.34.

Conwy: 21, Philip Hayes 22.27; 247, John Llewelyn Thomas 1-03.21.

Wepre: 38, Vic Belshaw 25.41.