Shrewsbury Athletic Club runners have commenced their campaign in the North Staffs Cross Country League in the opening fixtures at Winsford and Stafford Common. At Winsford, the Mens' Team finished 5^th, led home in the challenging conditions of mud and rain by Matt Hall in 2^nd place with Jim Hickinbottom 16^th and Steve Waters 47^th and there were age category successes for Matt Hall 1^st Veteran Over 35, Graham Jones 1^st Veteran Over 60, Pete Savill 1^st Veteran Over 65 and Jim Hickinbottom 3^rd Veteran Over 35. Adam Burgoyne and Luke Peden finished 113^th and 143^rd in their debut cross country race for the Club. In the Womens' Race, Naomi Cook finished 36^th and Grace Hough 224^th and 2^nd Lady Veteran Over 70.

At Stafford Common, despite similar challenging conditions of mud and rain, Jim Hickinbottom produced his highest placing in the League to date, leading the side home in 7^th place in 28/04, with Steve Waters 37^th in 30/17 and Luke Peden 113^th in 34/26. Grace Hough finished 192^nd and 3^rd Lady Veteran Over 70 in the Womens' Race in 46/42 and Jessica Turner finished 20^th in the Under 13 Girls' Race in 7/17.

Winsford Results:

2 Matt Hall 28/12(1V35), 16 Jim Hickinbottom 30/30(3V35), 47 Steve Waters 32/04, 68 Graham Jones 33/29(1V60), 81 Kevin Francis 34/13, 113 Adam Burgoyne 35/31, 129 Pete Savill 36/17(1V65), 143 Luke Peden 37/01. Women: 36 Naomi Cook 24/48, 224 Grace Hough 40/47(1LV70).

Winsford Photos:

Main pic. Women L to R: Grace Hough, Naomi Cook.

In the gallery. Men: L to R: Matt Hall, Jim Hickinbottom, Graham Jones, Bernie Jones(Wrexham AC), Pete Savill, Kevin Francis, Adam Burgoyne, Luke Peden.