BOLTON United Harriers’ first participation as a club affiliated to the South East Lancs Cross Country League was a great introductory experience for those involved.

The fixture at Oldham’s Tandle Hill went ahead in arctic conditions, with a number of top -five places achieved.

Leading the way in the under-11s boys’ race was Harvey Kenny’s third place, with Sam Philbin 11th, Sam Liptrott 15th, Alfie Dodds 28th and Joseph Rossington 33rd helping the team secure bronze overall.

Scarlett Thompson battled hard to gain 16th place in the u11s girls, with Cloe Bentley-Hughes well placed, too, in 24th.

Laurence Britton, building on his strong performances in the Red Rose cross country races, gained an impressive third place in the u13s boys' race, with Oisin Behan in 12th, Ethan Wallace in 16th and Joshua Bentley-Hughes in 18th, helping the team gain silver.

Lily Philbin put in a strong performance to finish eighth in the u13s girls and a brave performance from Hannah Swales saw her finish 18th, despite feeling under the weather.

In the u17s ladies, Molly Philbin enjoyed her run, finishing third.

Rachel Bailey also continued her good form, placing second in the u20s ladies, while Paul Mills finished 22nd overall in the men’s race and second in the V50 category – just one second off first.

Team manager Paul Philbin said: “It was an outstanding effort by all representing the club – it was pretty cold with tough underfoot conditions.”

Bolton United H&AC results: U11s boys team – third (29 pts) – Harvey Kenny 9:40, Sam Philbin 10:48, Sam Liptrott, 11:04, Alfie Dodds 12:03, Joseph Rossington 13:50; u11s girls – Scarlett Thompson 12:41, Cloe Bentley-Hughes 13:53; u13s boys' team - second – (29 pts) – Laurence Britton 15:55, Oisin Behan 17:24, Ethan Wallace 19:18, Joshua Bentley-Hughes 19:46; u13s girls – Lily Philbin 17:57, Hannah Swales 23:03; u17s girls, Molly Philbin 22:22. u20s women Rachel Bailey 32:58; senior men – Paul Mills 51:12.