BOLTON Harriers teenager Tom Lancashire proved he is a man for all seasons with a commanding victory in the first Reebok Challenge Cross Country League Under-17 race at Liverpool last Saturday.

After his runaway win in the local Red Rose League at Bury two weeks ago the Turton High School pupil chose to display his talents on a bigger stage after consultation with coach Jack Caldwell.

"We thought the experience would be useful for Tom to get used to the nerves and the challenge of taking on the best in the country, explained Caldwell "which will prepare him for the his main targets of the National and the English Schools Cross Country Championships."

He will be a force on the evidence of Saturday's performance.

Trailing Cannock's Tom Humphries by 20 metres at the halfway stage, he refused to panic and reeled in his rival before striking for home at the midway point of the final lap. The British Schools 1500m champion pulled away to triumph by 13 seconds and appeared untroubled by the heavy conditions, proving that he has the strength and guts to go with his proven track speed.

After the race he was typically modest and cautious about his ability on the country: "I normally struggle with stitches in cross country, especially in the big races. But I,m pleased to win, it's probably my best ever cross country win."

Lancashire will be in action on home territory on Saturday in the second Red Rose League fixture at Bolton's Leverhulme Park.

There will also be an interesting contest between his younger sister Anna and her rival and training partner Kate Smith in the Under 15 girls' race, while Stephen Wibberley will be looking to repeat his opening win in the Under 15 boys' event.

In the joint senior and junior race, leading junior Nick Kay will be looking to claim more senior scalps after his superb 5th place at Bury, while the men's team will also be aiming for a repeat victory. Radcliffe AC LINDSAY Agg went to the Yorkshire Fell championships recently, and came away with an admirable victory.

Four of Radcliffe's senior runners went to the Southport five mile road race, the latest one in this year's disrupted club championship.

Fast times were not easy. Despite this, Adrian Harris, now an O/45, achieved a cracking time of 28 min 15 secs. Alec Steele has suffered injury and a slight loss of form recently, but the O/50 veteran still managed a respectable 31.50. O/40 Mark Emmett recorded 35.00, and Iain Harris, O/50, 39.19. WHITES STAR'S VOW OF SILENCE