THE cross-country season started impressively for Leigh Harriers.

In the first South East Lancs league meeting Leigh won the senior ladies' race and both girls' and boys' events for 11-15 year-olds.

Anne Powell impressed as she made her way into the lead on the first of a three lap course and was never headed in the senior ladies' race.

Defending champion Anne, looks likely to become the first Leigh Harrier to successfully defend the senior ladies' title. She was well supported by 13 year-old Sarah Cain, who finished 41st in front of team-mate Mangori Leigh who helped the Leigh team to eighth spot in the team placings.

Adle Swanton amazed onlookers in the 11-15 section girls' race, as she opened up a large gap between her and the other runners, She won easily and crossed the line with a gigantic 25 second gap over closest competitor and team-mate Gemma Farley. Lizzy Heaton came fourth, Amanda Fearnley fifth, Louise Boardman seventh and Emma Morris ninth.

Unsurprisingly Leigh were over-whelming team-leaders.

In the boys' race Thomas Boardman impressed, He won by a full 20 seconds with Alex Urmston finishing ninth, Mike Goddard 12th and Andy Edwards was 18th as Harriers finished runners-up in the team challenge.

In the 11-17 group ladies' race, Toni Bowers came third and Laura Morris fifth. Rebecca Haworth finished 7th in the 11-13 girls' race after showing considerable improvement. Lauran Haworth finished 14th with Zoe Campbell 23rd and the team finished fourth.

Leigh's 11-13 year-old boys did well and gained valuable experience with Lee Battersby 15th and Isaac McCann 16th. Under 17's competitor Sam Cooke ran well for 10th place.

Despite a poor turnout for Leigh in the senior men's race, the team took fifth place. John Haworth came 12th, Simon Foster 26th, Dave Heeps 40th, Keith Boardman 56th, Jimmy Cooke 63rd and Derek Haworth 129th.