ST HELENS Sutton AC members completed a full set of turn-outs in this year's Merseyside Cross Country League when they took part in the last fixture held at Arrowe Park on the Wirral.

The grassland of the park is always prone to hold water and after the recent heavy rains the course was very heavy and treacherous.

The club again turned out a full senior team but once again was below full strength. First club member to finish the six-mile course was Tony Smith who had a fine run for his 28th place. Brian Graney used his undoubted strength to finish 39th and Chris Geraghty showed what a useful acquisition he is by finishing 46th.

Stan Erlam continues to defy the years taking 58th spot and it was good to see Ray Voce finishing 59th. The counting team was completed by the dependable Andy Boyack in 70th spot.

One club lady took part, Janet Holmes battling round the course to finish 92nd, one place ahead of brother John Irwin.

There were some good results for the club in the junior races. Running in the boys under 13s race over two miles, Tom Griffiths was a worthy winner with his twin brother Mike a creditable eighth. In the youths race, Luke Benyon just failed to repeat his win of the previous round and finished second.

A group of senior members took part in the Boxing Day 10km race at Speke held on a flat road course alongside Liverpool airport. On a cold but otherwise good morning, most of the runners managed to recover sufficiently from the previous day's festivities to put up pleasing performances.

First finisher for the club was John Appleton with the good time of 39min 35secs, next was Richie Bradshaw with 43min 50secs.

The club's first lady finisher was Pam Appleton in 48min 7secs, followed closely by the fast-improving Janet Holmes in 50min 40secs.

Trevor Prescott, having his first race since August, recorded 51min 42secs, and Alan Davies 54min 7secs.

Margaret Hunter, starting on the long struggle back to fitness, completed the course in 59min 12secs and was grateful for the support of John Irwin.