Nicky setting the pace at Winsford

Nicky finishes Runner Up at Cheshire Cross Country Championship Last Saturday saw the Cheshire cross country championships held at Knights Grange, Winsford. The first race to get under way was the Senior Ladies race that was competed over a distance of 7.7 kilometres. Ellesmere Port RC’s sole representative was Nicky Bird who set the early pace in the race and was leading until the final lap when Vale Royals Olivia Renshaw overtook Nicky to claim victory (31.48), however Nicky’s gutsy performance to secure 2nd place (32.32) in the championships has earned her an automatic call up to run for Cheshire again in the inter-counties championships in Nottingham on 5th March.

Following the ladies race, the Senior Men’s race got under way with six EPRC runners tackling a tough and muddy 12 kilometre course. The 2005 champion was Warrington AC veteran Andy Green (39.13) with Tom Carter second (40.00) and Andy Ellis (40.10) third both representing Vale Royal.

First runner home for the club was Dave Sargent whose injuries now appear to be behind him as Dave finished in an excellent 14th position (42.35). Next runner home for the club was Steve Crowe who claimed 24th position (43.48). Denis Duret finished in 57th position (47.47) followed by Matt Whitfield 83rd (51.16), Paul Welsh 93rd (53.14) and finally Eric Corker 118th (66.22).

The results meant Ellesmere Port finished 9th team on 387 points and 11th Veteran team on 194 points.