THERE was another strong showing for Pontypool & District Runners at the penultimate meeting of the Gwent Leisure Centre League cross country series at Llantarnam School last weekend.

The men’s A team topped the table with an excellent performance, despite several key runners being unavailable, and the women finished in a solid third place to consolidate their recent good results.

The first Pontypool runner home was Sean Taylor, in a superb third place, with Chris Harrhy and Richard Johnson following him in eighth and ninth respectively.

Pontypool’s men had seven runners in the top 20 and this consistency enabled the heavy scoring that saw them finish first in the team event.

Pooler also scooped three category prizes – Richard Johnson in the men’s 40 to 44 age group, Steve Davies (men’s 55 to 59) and Adrian Woods (men’s 50 to 54).

The women also performed well, led by Lou Summers in fourth place, Holly Janes-Thomas in ninth and Maria Richards in 12th.

And the A team finished very close behind Chepstow and Lliswerry, with only 12 points covering all three teams.

Due to its recent growth, the league has just introduced a B and C team competition and Pontypool’s strength in depth was evident here as both the men’s and women’s B teams finished second, with the C teams also performing well.

Men’s vice captain Dave Timson said: “The growth of the club means that we have a committed and talented group of runners who give it their all to compete for the club.

“The benefits of the winter’s hard training are bearing fruit as our members have made great improvements which show in these results.”

Pontypool Runners welcomes new members of all abilities. For more information visit www.pontypoolrunners.co.uk or find the club on Facebook.