A TEAM of young Leigh Harriers athletes made the trip to Witton Park, Blackburn, to run in the penultimate match of the Mid-Lancs Cross Country League.

The under 13s boys currently hold a one-point lead overall going into the final race at Kendal.

Leigh’s Kristian Wade ran a well-judged under 13s boys’ race in Blackburn and his sprint to the line sealed fifth place 11mins 35secs. He is currently fourth in the individual overall scores.

Next to cross the line for Leigh was ever improving Billy Blain, 13th in 12mins 22secs, followed by Joseph Wane in 14th with 12mins 29secs. Completing the team was Lucas White, 22nd in 13mins 6secs.

The under 13s girls’ race of saw Keely Hodgkinson, after her Greater Manchester Schools win last week, finish in third place in 9mins 15secs, just two seconds behind the second-place runner.

The girls’ team that finished second on the day included Eve Williams, who was ninth in 9mins 50secs, with Joanna Smith 24th in 10mins 59secs, Grace Newton 25th in 11mins 3secs, Emma McIntyre 26th in 11mins 12secs and Laura Hickey 31st in 11mins 31secs.

The first race of the day was the under 11s girls, and McKenzie Standen, Leigh’s only runner, ran a gutsy race to finish 13th out of a field of 54 in 11mins 24secs.

Leigh’s Kyle Jones made his intentions known right from the start of the under 11s boys’ event.

Leading all the way, Kyle ran a storming race for first place in 9mins 25secs. Josef Short was close behind in fourth spot in 9mins 46secs.

The points after five races show the boys in third and fourth places, respectively.