JANET Rashleigh, wearing new cross country spikes, recorded her first win over the country this season.

The North West Women's league held their second race of the series in conjunction with the men's Manchester League at Woodbank Park, Stockport.

After an initial start on flat grassland area there ensued a sprint for the woods over 300 metres away, with runners jostling for position, before entering the woods on a narrow path in single line procession.

The course twisted and turned over tree roots and ankle thick mud dropping sharply several times before meandering adjacent to the river, then turning sharply away to start the long, steep lung bursting climb up through the woods and out onto the flat grassy, muddy area and through the throngs of watching spectators and round again for another energy sapping lap -- total distance 6.4 kms.

Janet ran strongly to hold off the challenge of C Robinson (Belle Vue) by five seconds. Janet was backed up by Audrey Foster (also wearing new spikes) who had her best race of the season to finish just outside the top 20 in 21st position overall and first Vet 50 out of a large field of 75 runners.

Positions -- 1st Janet Rashleigh, Horwich RMI Harriers 23.41; 2nd C Robinson, Belle Vue 23.46; 3rd Audrey Foster, 1st vet 50 27.53

In the Junior and Under 17 ladies race Horwich again had two representatives. Gemma Jones, the leading junior in the Red Rose League this season ran a well judged race to finish fourth overall and third junior. She was well backed up by Katherine Cole, the leading under 17 lady in the Red Rose league, in an excellent position of 14th overall and eighth under 17 lady on the day out of a field of 30 runners.

Positions -- 1st R Waller, Sale H 20.22; 4th G Jones, Horwich RMI 21.24; 14th K Cole 23.26.