HELEN Smith was a victor in her age category during the latest round of the Manchester Area Cross Country League.

The Vale Royal Athletics Club member took first prize in the women's over 45s class at a muddy Boggart Hole Clough on Saturday, timing 36.15.

Among the senior men, Gareth Williams returned to form to edge a battle with teammates Tom Armstrong and Darren Cottier.

Holly Weedall continued her excellent season with another win in the under 11s girls' race, with Scarlett Stapleton and Thea Smith helping Vale Royal to fourth in the team standings.

And they earned second spot among in the under 11s boys' division, a third-place finish for Patrick Griffith leading the way with Will Clark and Ivan Karpusheff completing the line-up.

Results

Manchester Area Cross Country League

Round Three, Senior men: 96. Gareth Williams 43.48; 97. Tommy Armstrong 43.57; 99. Darren Cottier 43.59; 163. James Edwards 47.31; 183. Tony Archer 48.53; 227. John Clarke 52.49

Senior women: 14. Helen Smith 36.15; 38. Chloe Broad 38.41; 155. Carole Williams 54.19

Under 17s boys: 17. Will Parsons 26.05

Under 13s boys: 27. James Griffith 16.24

Under 11s boys: 3. Patrick Griffith 10.07; 12. Will Clark 10.57; 20. Ivan Karpusheff 11.23

Under 11s girls: 1. Holly Weedall 10.10; 22. Scarlett Stapleton 12.13; 32. Thea Smith 12.59