ON the salt marshes of Northam Burrows, next to the beach at Westward Ho! the fourth race in the Westward Cross Country League took place on Sunday.

There was a traditional feel about the weather for the fixture – howling gales, wet underfoot and with the added bonus of deep ditch crossings. There was no shelter on the course for runners or spectators which always makes running difficult. The course was run over several laps (according to age) and in a north easterly direction with the wind behind, before turning around to run south westerly directly into the howling gale.

The first race of the day was the Under 11s’ development race. Six brave runners from TAC took to the start line. Tavistock coach, Hazel Walker, had decided to introduce her daughters to their first cross country race. It was no baptism of fire, more a baptism of ice, which the girls bravely fought through.

Finishers were Christina Cade (11th), Ewan Dix (14th), Hannah Walker (15th), Ella Shaw (19th), Emma Luckham (22nd) and Charlotte Walker (26th).

The next — the women’s race — was a disappointing turnout for the club; in this Bridie Head had her highest finish of the season in 33rd with the only other TAC runner a gallant Jenny Sabine in 53rd over the 3.5 mile course.

The U13 girls faired much better, with the fast improving Tilly McDowell leading the club home in fourth spot followed by a good run from Alice Bickley 12th and Charlotte Harris close behind in 15th.

The U13 boys, running over the 2-mile course, produced a great team score. First home for the club was Joe Dix (9th) who held off Dan Luckham in 10th. Dan Mercer was the third runner home for the team finishing not far behind in 13th.

Then it was the men’s turn with a 5.5 miles race, over the now churned up, muddy, sticky, energy sapping course. Making great strides as he tackled his second race after a long injury was Will Dax who finished an excellent 19th place in a top quality field. The next runner home was Martin Exley-Deane, who is also still improving after returning from a long injury, in 50th place. Dave Harris (71st), Tony Symons (76th), Matt Mercer (82nd) and Bob Chapman (90th) all had strong races to bring the men’s team home.

The last race of the day for the club was the U15 girls over the 2.5-mile course. Natasha Farrington had another strong league race, and finished an excellent fourth place. Her team mate Sarah Bull chased hard and finished in sixth as the rain eased.

Tavistock runners will get a chance to cement their league positions in the fifth race at Stover School, Newton Abbot on the February 14.