THE cross country season came to a close at the weekend with the blue ribbon event, the National Championships staged at Maiden Castle, County Durham and five members of St Helens Striders travelled north to compete.

In the mens race, over 12k, Dennis Wharton was first home for the club finishing in a creditable 48mins 34secs. Brian Banawich was next in 52mins 44secs, close on his heels was Les Abbott completing in 53mins 10secs, with Brian Middleton coming home in 54mins 50secs.

In the senior womens event, over 8k, Gill Jones ran well to finish in 33min 50secs.