WITH races stretching back to October of last year, and covering the whole of Devon and Cornwall, the Brooks Westward Cross Country League concluded on Sunday with the sixth and final fixture in Plymouth's Central Park. It included many Tavistock Athletic Club members.

The dry weather meant that the going underfoot was always likely to be fast, but the host club, Erme Valley Harriers, set a course with plenty of twists, turns and hills to severely test the athletes.

Following the development race for U11s, which featured many potential Tavistock stars of the future, the first event was for the ladies and combined U17s over a distance of 5.9 km.

A fine run from U17 James Best earned him eighth place, beating friend and close rival Harrison Baker into 10th. James Lane DeCourtin's 31st place completed the Tavistock team, providing them with another top three finish.

First lady home was U17 Alice Rogers. Her 23rd place once again showed the great form she has been in all season and would ensure a fully deserved top three placing for the season overall. The Tavistock team was completed by veterans Caroline Stevens and Rebecca Deane in 41st and 42nd .

The U13 girls, featured the strongest Tavistock team of the year. After challenging all year for victory in every race, Emily Attfield took her second consecutive victory. Emily was supported by Jasmine Grey who finished in a superb fifth place, only just edging out team-mate Molly Rickwood, who finished sixth. Together, the three added to Tavistock's already unassailable team position in this category.

The biggest entry was in the senior men's race. Jim Cole was unavailable, meaning that he would not be able to claim his runner-up position for the season. This put the Tavistock emphasis on the individual age-group competitions and the veteran men's team category.

After total domination of the Over 50s age-group all season, it was inevitable that Tavistock would take the top two places. Tony Symons and Richard Drage pushed each other all the way round the 8.6 kms with Symons pulling clear on the uphills, only for Drage to close on the downhill and flat sections. It was the final long hill section which was to prove the decider and Symons won the Over 50s duel finishing in 20th place overall, with Drage in 24th.

The critical finshers for the veteran men were Rupert Warren in 35th and Charlie Lloyd in 49th to ensure Tavistock would retain their team title. Youngest runner Owen Drage followed closely in 51st place.

Top over 60s runner Bob Chapman clinced an overall medal with his 72nd place, folowed by Mike Baker 75th, Dave Rickwood 77th, Mike Erith 81st and Robin Musgrave 85th.

In the U15 boys Sam Lane DeCourtin finished in second place to lead the Tavistock contingent home with Jordan Channon in third. Rounding off another team victory was Pete Jarman in sixth.