By Dave Jones

THE South East Lancs Cross Country League on Saturday saw a late switch from the original venue of Tandle Hill to Heaton Park due to a waterlogged course.

The change certainly seemed to suit Bolton United Harriers’ rising star Rachel Bailey as she stormed home to take first place in the Under-20s group –and fifth spot overall –in a time of 52 mins 11 secs for the 8k course.

Showing the depth in talent at the club the younger athletes also weighed in with some superb performances.

In the u15s girls tournament Ruby Erzan Essien was third and clubmate Lily Philbin came home not far behind in seventh place.

Cerys Jones came back in 31st position in the u11s girls.

Not to be outdone, the blue-vested boys also turned in some gritty performances and Nathaniel Knowles and Benjamin Davis were sixth and 25th respectively in the u11s boys.

In a large field of senior men the only Bolton United Harriers representative, Alan Erzan Essien, finished in 107th position.

Sunday saw the Four Villages Half Marathon take place at Helsby.

David Chrystal further validated his move up to Dave Shaw’s Elite group, coming back with a chip time of 1hr 23mins 20secs.

This beat his personal best  by a fantastic two minutes and 29 seconds and continues his good form after a course personal best at the Clitheroe 10k at the end of December.