ON a grey day in ideal conditions for running, 18 Bromsgrove and Redditch AC runners tackled various distances over the revised Senneleys Park cross country course in the Birmingham & District League.

Simon Lanckham, B&R's sole under-17 entrant, gave a good performance in his 6k event to finish in a strong field in 57th (out of 65 finishers) in a time of 20:52.

The ladies team was hit by injuries and illness but were still well represented by Ann Stuart - refreshed after her recent Loch Ness Marathon - and Bridget Birch - running only her second cross-country.

The distance was 6k and subject to confirmation, Ann was 128th (in 30:29) and Bridget 173rd (in 34:22) from a field of 212.

For the under-strength B&R men absentees were reflected in a finishing position of 10th, from seventh last year, but just two points separated B&R from eighth.

James Adie was quickest on the day, and was well supported, in finishing order, by Kevin Lanckham, Ian Ketye, Jamie Dancyger, Paul Atkins and Dave Daniel.

Ketye's experience told as he pipped Adie - running only his second cross-country - by only eight seconds.

Recent Cardiff Marathon man Daniel ran a great first cross-country, and surprised himself and everyone else, to grab the last counting place.

The B team finished fourth out of five and 17th overall of 18 teams.

Gavin Moorhead was first, four places behind Daniel, with Stephen Elsmere second. Phil Anderson and John Manley waged their own private battle which Anderson won by six seconds.

Phil Richardson was fifth before Barry Cooke, nursing a recurring injury over the last lap, soldiered home sixth.

Mike Leci picked up a painful calf injury on the last lap and limped home.

B&R men's times (subject to confirmation): James Adie (35:07); Kevin Lanckham (37:08); Ian Keyte (39:51); Jamie Dancyger (39:59); Paul Atkins (40:24); Dave Daniel (40:54); Gavin Moorhead (41:13); Stephen Elsmere (42:49); Phil Anderson (45:03); John Manley (45:09); Phil Richardson (45:38); Barry Cooke (47:30); Len Quartly (48:24); Mike Leci (48:47); Roger Beacham (50:01).

Selected team results: 1 Birchfield (116 pts); 7 Tamworth (262); 8 Sphinx (302); 9 Dudley & Stourbridge (303); 10 B&R (303); 11 Cannock & Staffs (340); 17 B&R B (624).