THICK, cloying mud and a cold wind are not the normal ways to spend Valentine’s Day, but with the 2015/2016 cross country season heading towards its finale in March, Tavistock Athlete Club runners found themselves at Stover School near Newton Abbot on Sunday for round five of the Frank Elford Sports Westward League.

After weeks of rain, the course at this new venue featured several areas of thick mud and some challenging inclines.

In the mixed U11s’ event, the club had a record nine participants and there were some fine performances. Debutant Amelia Piggott was only beaten by one other girl in a fine display to take 11th place. Zara Risk in 29th narrowly beat the second Piggott sister, Matilda, in 30th with Ewan Dix 32nd, Ella Shaw 35th, Sheldon Higgins 37th, shoeless Emma Luckham 43rd and sisters Charlotte and Hannah Walker in 47th and 53rd.

The U13 girls’ race followed. Leading runner was once again Tilly McDowell who ran strongly and led the chasing pack in seventh. Lucy Steven took 20th and fast-improving Charlotte Harris followed in a close 22nd.

Led by Joe Dix in ninth, the U13 boys’ team fought hard all the way to maintain their challenge for top three team honours. Dan Luckham’s 11th and Dan Mercer in 18th ensuring that they remain in contention with one race to go.

The senior ladies’ and U17 men and ladies’ joint race was a long gruelling event of 6km and gave Sam Lake the opportunity for further competition after her selection for Devon in the upcoming National event in March. Sam took an overall 30th followed by a fit again Caroline Steven in 39th, Bridie Head in 43rd and Jennifer Sabine who sprinted through to take 52nd.

The U15 girls and boys raced together and featured an outstanding performance from Tavistock debutant Bradley Stevens. Seemingly ignoring the tough terrain, Bradley showed immense promise for the future by taking fourth position. For the girls, Natasha Farrington took an overall 14th to remain in the frame for an individual medal at season’s end.

The senior men’s race finsished the day’s events and was staged over a cruel and energy sapping 9.3 km course. In a superb run, Tavistock teenager Will Dax had his finest run so far, beating many more experienced athletes to finish in an outstanding 12th place. Over 55 veteran Martin Exley-Deane took another victory in his age category to move into pole position in that category. His 43rd place means victory in the final race will earn him the title.

Dave Harris showed great strength to finish next in 65th position with Richard Best running strongly in 69th. After an epic battle with a colleague 30 years his senior, Matt Mercer in 82nd was delighted to hold off Bob Chapman in 85th place with an out-of-sort Pete Bazley taking 111th.