Horwich RMI Harriers by Gareth Hughes

VICTORIES for Sue Jones and Tony Hesketh in the NW Duathlon Championships in Blackburn added to a weekend of success for Harriers.

Sue, who will represent Great Britain in the World Triathlon Championships in Mexico next month, won the NW Ladies title (16th) in 1 hour 2 mins 58, over the gruelling course which featured a 20km cycle and 5km run.

A normal duathlon consists of two running sections, but this had to be cut due to sabotage on the course.

Tony took the over 50s Men's title, finishing 13th overall in 1.2.33.

Also taking victory was Paul Muller, who beat team-mate Martin Jones into second in the first South East Lancs cross-country race of the season at Boggart Hole Clough.

The dry underfoot conditions and multi-terrain style course suited Paul, who three days later received news of his selection for England in the Veteran Home International Cross-Country Championships to be held in Ballymena on November 16.

At Boggart Hole Clough, Horwich won the over 35 Ladies, and Men's over 40 and 50 team categories. There were also wins for Keith Tyrer, Paul Murray, Janet Rashleigh and Audrey Foster in a variety of age events.

Continuing the success were the Horwich veteran men who were first vets team in the prestigious Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay. The 25-mile (8,500ft ascent) race, run in pairs over four legs, was a tough test for all runners.

The Horwich vets all ran superbly in the perfect race conditions, with Steve Jackson and Graham Schofield, Neil Wrigley and Albert Sunter, Steve Barlow and Kev Gaskell and Rob Green and Colin Jones always in pole position.

Rob Jackson recorded a fine win in the Five Mile Boothstown Wobble Road Race in a time of 26.04, and Paul Muller won yet again, this time in the Northern Vets XC League in the seven and a half mile race held at Edgworth (40.28). Both Rob and Paul will be looking forward to the National Road Relays in two weeks time.

Boggart Hole Clough XC Men: 1. P Muller V45 33.08; 2. M Jones 33.28; 21. N Wrigley V40 37.32; 31. A Hallahan 38.48; 34. K Tyrer 1st V50 39.11; 46. J. Murray 1st V60 40.14; 51. P Murray 1st V60 40.14; 70. K Makin V55 42.09; 78. P Bland V55 42.55; 81. D Mansfield 43.11; 83. A Sweatman V50 43.21; 115. B Allman V45 45.41; 116. B Hallahan V45 45.53; 148. P Scott V55 52.03. Teams: 1. East Cheshire 97; 2. Salford 124; 3. Horwich 131; 14. Horwich B 464. Vets O/40: 1. Horwich 19; 2. East Cheshire 19; 8. Horwich B 76; 17. Horwich C 155. Vets O/50: 1. Horwich 15; 2. Salford 26; 5. Horwich B 60. Ladies: 1. L Heyes(Salford) 23.57; 3. J Rashleigh 1st L40 26.01; 8. G Higson 2nd L35 27.58; 19. S Gorman 30.03; 22. N Guffogg 30.19; 25. A Foster 1st L50 30.59; 51. C Sweatman L45 34.37. Finishers 74. Teams: 1. Salford 9; 2. Horwich 29; 9. Horwich B 95. Ladies O/35: 1. Horwich 18; 2. Chorley H 30. Ladies O/40: 1. Rochdale 27; 2. Horwich 30.