Ladies regain Top Spot in Borders League

The third round of the Borders League was hosted by Wrexham Tri last Sunday around a hilly 5 mile course starting in Mold.

The race was won by Clive West of Buckley Runners in a time of 26.34 ahead of Brendan Rothery of Eryri Harriers who finished in 26.48 followed by Ian Houston of Wrexham AC in 27.02 for third.

Steve Crowe was the first EPRC runner to finish after having arguably his best run to date after gradually climbing up the field to third position with 200m to go only to be out sprinted at the depth but was more than happy to settle for his highest position of 4th in a time of 27.04.

A fine run by Denis Duret in 28.59 was good enough to secure 27th position and the clubs second runner home.

Simon Jeffs was the next male runner home for Ellesmere Port after posting a time of 30.45 for 66th position.

Matt Whitfield was next to finish for the club in 99th place in a time of 32.29.

Mark Dodd was the 5th runner home for the club, after going off a little to quick at the start Mark hung in to clock a respectable 32.36 for 102nd position.

Not far behind Mark was Brian Griffiths who finished the race in 32.55 to secure 108th position.

Mike Burns was the 7th runner home on the men’s team giving the rest of the field a few minutes head start before Mike started playing catch up and worked his way up to 130th in 34.22.

John Jennings was the 8th finisher for EPRC after posting a time of 35.29 for 146th place.

Les Fleetwood was 9th home for the club in 35.54 for 154th and was followed in by Nigel Crierie who was the all important 10th counter giving Ellesmere Port a full team and finishing in 40.13 for 215th position.

Ellesmere Port Ladies bounced back to the top of Division 2 with some excellent performances to leapfrog Helsby.

Nicky Bird was the comfortable winner of the ladies race after posting a good time of 29.39 (43rd overall) over a minute ahead of 2nd place Isabelle Redfern of Prestatyn RC.

Alison Hughes was the 2nd lady home for Ellesmere Port after producing an outstanding run and with it a quick time of 35.07 for 8th senior lady (141st overall).

Alison Macdonald was next to finish for the club after posting a time of 35.32 for 147th position overall.

The final runner home for the club was Madeline Bird who was making her debut for Ellesmere Port and started with an excellent 40.25 for 218th position (3rd V50) and should soon be chasing her daughter’s footsteps.