TAVISTOCK Run Project’s precocious 15 year-old Oliver Smart won the South West Inter Counties under 17 cross country title at Yeovil last Sunday.

On a hilly course the TRP junior showed maturity beyond his years as he sat off the ferocious early pace before moving to the front and applying pressure to break his opponents and move away for the win.

Remaining undefeated throughout the winter Oliver will now set his sights on the English Schools’ cross country in March.

With an unprecedented seven athletes from TRP selected to represent Devon across the events the club had a strong presence in the senior men’s event.

Denied the services of Jim Cole and Ben Neale, the club still managed to finish fourth overall, led home by Jordan Andrews in 22nd place and supported by Chris Rimmer, Ed Smart (10th U20), Jordan Channon and Charlie Gibbard (19th U20).

Unfortunately illness forced the late withdrawal of Rachael Malthouse from the ladies’ race.