HOLLY Weedall picked up where she left off in 2017 when a new British Cross Challenge campaign started in Cardiff.

The Vale Royal Athletics Club member, reigning champion in the under 13s girls’ category, celebrated a first victory of the season in the under 15s girls’ race in 11:22, edging Samila Jones (Menai) who was a further seven seconds back.

In the senior women’s race, former Vale Royal star Stevie Stockton took ninth position in the colours of Leeds City.

The series resumes next month.

Before that Weedall, a student at Weaverham High School, turns her attention to the Northern Cross Country Relays on Saturday at Graves Park in Sheffield.

She travels there buoyed by a hat-trick of successes with her teammates on the road, including a gold medal at the English National Autumn Road Relays with Faye Conboy and Grace Roberts earlier this month.

Chloe Broad finished just outside the top 10 in the senior women’s race during the opening round of the Manchester Area Cross Country League at Wythenshawe.

Rick Murray was first to the finish of Vale Royal’s men, while Colin Rathbone was second of the over 70s runners in the field.

Results

British Cross Challenge

At Llandaff Fields, Cardiff

Saturday, October 13

Under 15s girls: 1. Holly Weedall (Vale Royal AC) 11:22; 2. Samila Jones (Menai Track and Field) 11:29; 3. Dalis Jones (Westbury Harriers) 11:44

Manchester Area Cross Country League

Match One

At Wythenshawe Park, Manchester

Saturday, October 13

(Selected Vale Royal AC members only)

Senior men: 151. Rick Murray (V50) 39:42; 218. David Haines (V45) 41:49; 257. Chris Beard (V50) 43:22; 269. Mark Pilliner (V50) 43:53; 328. John Clarke (V60) 46:26; 330. Tony Archer (V60) 46:30; 403. Colin Rathbone (V70) 51:44; 406. Barry Chambers (V65) 52:02

Senior women: 11. Chloe Broad 32:20; 44. Helen Smith (L45) 34:49; 47. Claire Thompson (L40) 34:56; 70. Melanie Johnson (L35) 35:52; 77. Lucy Knight 36:08; 125. Jeanette Pope (L40) 38:31; 152. Julie Annable (L55) 40:02; 155. Mary Tavener (L55) 40:09; 158. Debbie Moreton (L45) 40:14; 230. Jill Haines (L45) 44:02; 289. Carole Williams (L65) 51:15

Under 13s girls: 67. Isabelle Maundrill 16:01