Nine members of the Monross-Trailblazers Running Club took a trip to Croft Castle near Ludlow to compete in the second of the Winter Herefordshire Cross Country series, organised by Croft Ambrey Running Club.

The course was made up of short grass lands, forest track, and very muddy sections. With a steep up hill to the fort and a steep descent it does not make for an easy run. Following 30 years of tradition, the men had to do three laps, and ladies had to do one and half laps. Each lap was 2.2 miles long.

Andrew Stephens came home first out of the Monross team, with a eighth place and a time of 49 minutes 37 seconds, even with a slip and a fall on the descent.

New club runner Luke Gray finished in a time of 54.26 and 15th place, after a very close run with Barry Davies who came in one second later in a time of 54.27 and 16th place. Gavin Jones followed in 22nd and a time of 55.35, which after three consecutive weeks of racing was a respectable effort.

Sam Harness was next in the male team in 57th and a time of 61.40. Bobby Prichard followed soon after and managed 72nd place in a time of 64.17.

Meanwhile in the ladies race, of the 80 that took part; Laura ran an impressive 35 minutes 32 seconds and was placed seventh, Vanessa Ball followed soon after in 12th place and a time of 38.21.

Currently Monross-Trailblazers men’s team are fourth in the league; close behind Maldwyn Harriers (third), Builth and District Running club (second) and Hereford Couriers (first). With three more races to go in the series, it’s still all to play for.

Monross Trailblazers welcome new runners. They meet on Wednesdays for a structured run, and alternate training between John Kyrle High School, Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth Leisure Centre. On November 16th they will be meeting at John Kyrle High School, Ross at 18:30. For more information about the club, visit monross-trailblazers.co.uk or email [email protected]