IT is not very often that Horwich RMI Harrier Phil Fleming is lost for words but he was indeed left speechless when he was greeted with a surprise presentation.

The RMI Harrier who has been a member of the club for nearly 30 years was lured to Rivington Hall Barn under the pretence of helping to plan this year's RMI Harriers Jubilee Road Race Series. Outside the Barn he was staggered to walk around the entrance to find a group of Harrier friends who had gathered especially to reward his lengthy service to the club's Jubilee series.

Phil, who retired from helping with the series last year, had officiated with registration and time keeping at a phenomenal 62 out of 64 races since the series' conception to celebrate the club's Diamond Jubilee in 1984. Indeed, he had been one of the series' original planning committee and had never lost his enthusiasm for the events. His dedication to the series was second to none and the club felt it fitting to pay him a special tribute to mark his enormous contribution.

Club Chairman Stewart Westhead, co-president Norman Troupe and series organiser Gareth Hughes presented Phil with a special limited edition print of Rivington Hall Barn (Race Series HQ) by local artist Gerry Halpin.

Phil was clearly moved by the whole occasion and was delighted to be able to share the rest of the evening reminiscing with his Harrier friends. Typically, as modest as ever, he repeated many times how he didn't see why he deserved such an award. But, as all those who attended, and had readily given of their time to meet for the presentation, agreed no praise was high enough for this very special Harrier.

Those present for this thoroughly deserved surprise award together with Phil, Stewart, Norman and Gareth were Steve Barlow, John Crook, Kev Gaskell, Steve Hunt, Keith Lancaster, Keith Makin, Pauline Marshall, Mick McGovern, Leo Pollard, Neil Shuttleworth, Albert Sunter, Dave Vickers, Peter Walkington, Pete Watson, Dennis Weir, Frank Wood and Carolyn Wright.

HHORWICH RMI Harrier Kev Gaskell proved he can acquit himself well on the roads despite being an experienced and talented fell runner who would normally do very little road racing. Kev, like many other runners in the Bolton 10k was tackling a road race due to the lack of fell races with the major Foot and Mouth problem. He had a storming run to finish first Harrier home in 20th place.

The undulating course, together with wet and windy conditions, was always a test and pbs were unlikely in the circumstances. Nevertheless, all the Harriers who completed put in good performances with junior Mark Smith recording a very creditable time in the conditions and finishing second in his age category. Vet Terry Orrell again showed his potential when he used this race as a steady training run, after running 10 miles the day before. He still managed to finish in a time of 35.27 and was fourth Vet 45. Another experienced fell runner Tony Varley also put in a good run finishing 10th Vet 50 in 40.52. Gaynor Higson was first Horwich RMI lady to finish with a steady run after recent disruptions to her training with injury. She was pleased with her first competitive run since the cross country season when she had suffered from shin splints, apart from the Northern six-stage Relay. Results -- Bolton 10k 1. Matt Moorhouse, Salford 31.30; 2. James Jackson, Salford 32.00; 3. Darren Hole, Salford 32.11; 20. Kev Gaskell 34.34; 29. Terry Orrell, 4th V45 35.27; 32. Mark Smith 2nd Junior 35.47; 72 Paul Boardman 38.55; 96 Pete Bland V50 40.39; 99 Tony Varley V50 40.52; 108. Keith Makin V50 41.26; 109. Gaynor Higson, 7th lady 41.27; 129. Nichola Guffog 42.54; 190. Thomas Gidman V50 46.37; Marianne Claughan 51.10.

Teams (Men) three to count 1. Salford 6; 2. Clayton 41; 3. Bolton 43; 4. Horwich RMI Harriers 80.

Ladies -- 1. Clayton 26; =2 Horwich RMI Harriers 34; =2 Bolton 34.

Finishers -- 362.