A NEW running club had their first team outing - competing in the Gwent Leisure Centre Cross Country League, and members gave an impressive debut race.

Eight men and six women, all members of the Pont-y-pwl & District Runners, competed in the event at Blackwood last weekend, and the results were pretty impressive for the club that was only established a month ago.

In the men's race, Matt Symes was their first man home in second place, and Sean Taylor was right behind him in third position.

The other members followed in quick succession - Steve Davies 11th, Dimitri Vorres 14th, Ray Morgan 27th, Chris Silvester 31st and Rhys Parfitt, in his first ever race came in 72nd position.

The girls also gave an impressive performance; Rhian Jinny-Jones demonstrated great potential by winning the race by a very clear margin, chased by Emma Bayliss who finished in third position.

Next lady home was Julie Davies in 11th position, followed by Sharon Woods in 18th, Chris Vorres in 30th and then Hayley Pierce in 42nd place.

Hayley Pierce was also competing for the very first time, and was really excited at the prospect of taking part in a challenging event for her new club.

Ms Pierce has lost four and a half stone in weight over the last year and joining Pont-y-pwl & District Runners was the next step in turning her life around and enjoying a healthy life-style.

Team captain, Dimitri Vorres, said: "Hayley was really nervous about taking part in the event, but was also keen to experience something new, and to be part of a team.

"We are very proud of her, and of Rhys Parfitt, who also ran his first race today. Cross country is not an easy option."

Scoring from these performances would place the new running club in second position for both male and female teams.

Mr Vorres added: "Our aim is to truly cater for everyone, from those who like to go for a run simply to keep fit, to those who enjoy being competitive."

The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday at Pontypool Active Living Centre at 7pm. Anyone interested can ring Dimitri Vorres on 01495 758831.