Greater Manchester Cross Country Championship: THIS year's cross country meetings have mainly been competed on hard ground, with flats the required footwear.

However, Wellington boots were probably best suited for the rice fields of Leigh, as the rain caught up with the runners from Bury Athletics Club with great vengeance.

Nevertheless, the youngsters from the club did very well to come away with two fourth placed teams and one silver medal team, as well as an individual gold for Scott Evans.

When Scott Evans runs well, the rest of the Bury under 13 team run well - and Saturday was no exception.

Scott dominated the race with another outstanding performance to win in a time of 8.53. But his classy performance also galvanized his colleagues, as they packed in well together. Mathew Elkin turned in a good performance to finish 16th in a time of 10.03, the ever improving Adam Cheshire came 17th in 10.06 and Louis Szymanski came 18th in 10.11.

The team won the silver medal and they finished just one point behind Sale.

Under-15 runner James Dagg once again showed what potential he has with a fifth place finish in 11.14 against tough opposition. Josh Cole also had to be at his best to keep away his colleague Rees Davies.

In the end Josh, who always runs better when challenged, pushed out his lead over Rees to 17 seconds and two places as he finished 16th (12.08). Nick Lamont 20th (12.45) and Chris Riley, 26th, (13.02) were the final two club counters. The team finished just out of the medals in fourth position.

Laura Evans led the girls under-15 team to the fourth spot, just failing to get a team medal. Laura finished 7th (12.39) and was well supported by Clare Sullivan 19th (13.46) and Jessica Simons 20th, 13.47 .

Elizabeth Cheshire was the only competitor in the under-17 age group, but she has continued to improve with each cross-country race she runs, and was not over faced by her solo run. Elizabeth finished well in 14th (20.31 mins).

Next Saturday is the final Red Rose meeting at Burnley. Please note that the meeting starts at 12.45pm, and all races are one hour ahead of their usual start time.

There is also an under eleven race put on by the host club; this individual event is due to start at 11.30am.

Following this, on Sunday, at the Market street track, the club hosts it's Christmas Handicap, starting at 12noon.