HARRIERS youngsters again ran well in the final South East Lancashire Cross Country League race at Chorley’s Astley Park.

Glorious sunshine and milder conditions appeared to suit the young Harriers as a number posted their best results of the series.

First up were the under-11s and after an injury lay-off, Harvey Kenny bounced back to secure fourth place, which was enough to enable him to finish an excellent joint second in the series.

Next home was Sam Philbin in 18th (14th overall), then Alfie Dodds in 32nd (23rd overall) closely followed by Joseph Rossington in 34th as the boys' team secured fourth (also overall).

Once again, Scarlett Thompson battled hard for 16th (14th overall), while Cloe Bentley-Hughes worked as hard as ever to finish 26th on the day and 21st overall.

In the u13s, Laurence Britton saved his best performance of the series for last, capturing an impressive second place and third overall.

Oisin Behan also posted his best performance with an excellent 10th place (11th overall) and Josh Bentley-Hughes gave his all to finish a credible 15th (14th overall).

The boys' team were third on the day but will be pleased to have secured second overall.

In the girls’ race, Lily Philbin finished strongly to capture 10th place (10th overall) with Hannah Swales in 21st (18th overall).

Not to be outdone by his younger brother, u15 Ruairi Behan also ran well to secure 10th.

Over a challenging 4.8k course, Molly Philbin bounced back from her recent illness to run well for fifth place (fourth overall).

In the u20s, Rachel Bailey continued to impress and was 15th finisher overall in the women’s race, but this translated to second u20, meaning she secured second overall in the series.

It has been a great effort by the Blue Vests taking part in this series of races, doing the club and team manager, Paul Philbin, proud in the process.

To have three young athletes capturing series podium places and the u13 boys’ team achieving silver in the first year of affiliation to the SELCC is a deserved bonus.