HORWICH RMI Harrier Gary Priestley had a great run last Saturday when winning the Lancashire Under-20s Cross Country title at Witton Park, Blackburn.

Running with the senior men, but covering a lap less, he used their early pace to pull well-clear of any opposition by the end of his 8K race, winning by a margin of nearly a minute in a time of 30mins 05sec.

Unfortunately Priestley falls foul of the IAAF ruling on age groups, and will not be able to represent Lancashire at the Inter-Counties as his 20th birthday falls in September.

In the 10.8K senior race, James Kevan ran well to finish in eighth place (40.12). He is now in contention for selection for the Inter-Counties Championships in March.

Following a recent busy race schedule, Brendan Bolland found the going tough and finished below his usual level. Battling well, he came home in 36th place (45.12).

In the ladies 5.8K race, both of Horwich's runners collected individual medals. Sarah Norgate finished in 12th place overall and was third lady over-35 (26.54) and consequently has an outside chance of a county vest.

Suzanne Budgett finished in 14th place and won the bronze medal in the over-45 category, finishing in 27.38.

RESULTS: Lancashire Cross-Country Championships: Ladies: 1 C Birch (Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton) L 23.42; 12 S Norgate 3rd L35 26.54; 14 S Budgett 3rd L45 27.38; Finishers 45.

Men: 1 K Gerrard (Manx Harriers) M 36.49; 8 J Kevan M 40.12; 36 B Bolland M35 45.12; Finishers 119.

Junior Men: 1 G Priestley 30.05; 2 L Minns (Blackpool) 31.02; Finishers 12.