Monross Trailblazers dropped to fifth place in the Herefordshire cross country league after the third meeting of the winter at Rotherwas in Hereford.

The 6.5 mile race began on the site of the former munitions factory used in the First and Second World War, with 169 runners donning vest and shorts in near freezing conditions; the ground still frozen in places not yet touched by the sunshine.

The race started fast; the route skirting the outskirts of the field before turning sharply right and following the bank of the River Wye for a mile, before circling back to complete the first of three laps.

The flat course suited the quicker runners and a front group of ten or so runners pulled away from the main pack, Andy Stephens staying amongst them.

Mark Scrivens felt the effects of a sore knee and retired, the remaining Blazers counting down the laps towards the finish. Andy’s efforts were rewarded with a 7th place finish in a super quick 37 minutes, 56 seconds.

Luke Gray bettered Barry Davies this week, finishing 13 seconds and two places ahead in 17th and 40m, 58 secs and Sam Harness finished soon after, taking 31st place in 43m, 16s.

The remaining four Blazers fought it out, finishing within a minute of each other, Dave Knapper taking charge in 45th 44m, 50s, followed by James Fletcher, 45:26, Dan Gray 45:39 and Bobby Pritchard in 45:52.

The next race for Monross Trailblazers will be at the Seven Sins on December 28th, unless they find some inspiration to tackle the Skirrid fell race the day after their Christmas party on December 16th. Winter training continues on alternate weeks at JKHS or Monmouth Sports Centre. Find them on Facebook or you can visit their website www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk