ON the first serious competitive weekend of 2012, Tavistock athletes were prominent in major races in the Exeter area and it was their top man, Jim Cole, who provided the club with their first victory.

Cole was a clear favourite among the 500 plus runners who gathered for the First Chance 10 along the banks of the River Exe in the morning. He lead virtually from gun to line and crossed the line in first place in 31minutes 51seconds.

The very busy Cole headed immediately to West Cornwall to ride in a point-to point meeting at Wadebridge in the afternoon.

Further down the field, Tavistock featured prominently in the age-group results.

In 16th, Tony Symons finished a close second in the 50-54 category. Peter Bazley and Mike Erith battled out a final sprint for 94th and 95th, with the former fourth 55-50 finisher and the latter taking the over-60 category prize in 42.20. Paul Marshall and Jeff Lea easily made the top half of the finishers, followed closely by Kate Rogers, under 50 minutes and third over-50 lady.

Over-65 competitor Keith Bowles completed the Tavistock contingent with a highly repectable 54.40.

On the same afternoon, and only a few miles away, further Tavistock runners were competing in the South West cross country championships at Bicton College.

As well as individual and club competitions, a number were also representing their counties in the inter county class.

Representing Devon in the ladies race, pentathlete and Olympian Heather Fell took a superb fourth place and second senior lady spot.

Representing Cornwall in the same race, Caroline Steven was to finish 13th and 4th over 40 lady.

Another pentathlete in a rich vein of running form was Tavistock U17 Alice Rogers, taking 12th in her race for Cornwall.

Three Tavistock runners completed the U13 girls event, with Devon's Emily Attwood taking ninth and Jasmin Gray narrowly beating clubmate Molly Rickwood in 23rd and 24th.

Tavistock's only South West champion featured in the the senior men's race.

Top over 50 Richard Drage was overall 43rd position while U20 Christian Brown followed in 66th.

U17s Harrison Baker , James Best and Dean Smith flew the Tavistock flag in 27th, 31st and 45th places in their highly competitive race.

In the U15s boys event, Tavistock and Cornwall's Sam Lane DeCourtin ran well for 11th, with Devon's Jordan Channon, finishing an outstanding 17th.