TORFAEN Runners remain on course for a Gwent Cross Country League double after their men’s and women’s teams retained divisional leads following the penultimate fixture of the season.

A tough, hilly course greeted members at Pontypool Park with two and three laps in store for the women and men respectively.

Husband and wife Mark and Hannah Hopkinson put in strong performances again.

The former led the men’s team home in 13th place overall and the latter embraced her strong fell running skills to guide the women to eighth.

The ladies’ team consisted of Hannah Hopkinson, Clare Patterson, captain Lou Summers, Annette Sanford, Harri Like, Maria Richards and Bethan Hawkesford, a new club member who was making her debut.

Mark Hopkinson, new member Iwan Morton, Tom Mollekin, Tom Turner, Andrew Dickens, Gareth Burkitt, Roger Williams and captain Jon Like made up the men’s team.

Like said: “A fantastic performance by both teams illustrated a distinct improvement from previous races and makes for very exciting times for the future success of the club.

“We would like to thank the local clubs that come together to make the Gwent League a great success.”

The women retained their overall lead in Division Three and now head the chasing pack by more than 500 points, while the men are 144 points clear in Division Four.

The final 2018/19 fixture takes place at Blaize Castle, Bristol on Saturday, March 2.

Torfaen Runners welcome runners of all abilities and meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Nuffield Gym, Cwmbran at 6.30pm.