AFTER the up and down of Rossendale, competitors were once again on a good circuit that allowed for fast open running, combined with a few testing hill climbs.

Bury Athletic Club was well represented throughout all the age groups, with several exceptional individual performances within what was a good team effort.

After Scott Evans had demolished the competition in the under-13 boys, Natasha McDonald displayed absolute commitment as she dragged herself around that last lap to complete the team.

Finally there was a sparkling display from Lesley McDermott, who yet again improved her finishing position.

UNDER-13 BOYS: Scott Evans was never troubled as he eventually won by 27 seconds.

As always, when Scott runs well it lifts the whole team, and several others in this age group had their best runs of the season.

Ross Little got his highest finishing place so far, fourth, and the winning team was completed by Lou Szymanski, sixth.

These three were well supported by Chris Marsh 11th, and another who has improved in each race he has run, Adam Cheshire 15th.

UNDER-13 GIRLS: Continuous improvement is a fundamental belief in the McDermott household, as Alix demonstrated at Bolton.

Always alert during the race, she quickly overtook the struggling Andrea Baker to achieve her highest finishing position so far, sixth, and lead the team to second place.

She was well supported by Amanda Barton, eleven seconds behind her in seventh place and Holly Chapman tenth.

UNDER-15 BOYS: Josh Cole was the first counter for Bury in seventh position, behind a strong Rossendale team that easily won the team event.

Bury did, however, finish second team with Nick Lamont tenth and Rees Davies 13th both having good runs.

UNDER-15: GIRLS: The green hat was prominent on the start line, so Laura Evans was running!

Laura, however, had to be content with second place, once again behind Rachel Pounds of Bolton, but at least Laura won the team event as she was well supported by Jessica Simons, fourth, and Cheryl Sullivan seventh.

The final two members in the race were Keely Bulger 11th, and Nicola Ryan 12th.

UNDER-17 WOMEN: Moving up to running the full senior distance has not been easy for Natasha McDonald.

An essential member of the Northern League next summer for her javelin throwing and commitment to the track, Natasha will however always give you 110 per cent total effort.

She knows that she needs these races for strength, but when you are struggling and still have a lap to go it is not easy to apply yourself.

Natasha got encouragement, especially from Kevin and Evie McDermott, all around that last final lap and although it took her a couple of days to recover, she knew that she had to finish to complete the team, and she did.

Elizabeth Cheshire turned in another good, strong and consistent performance at the front for fourth place, and Danielle Blundell also improved her position to end up ninth. The team finished up second behind Wigan.

SENIOR WOMEN: Another meeting and another excellent women's team performance, with Lesley McDermott once again improving on her finishing position.

Both Stacey Fahy, fourth junior woman, and Lesley McDermott are now fast catching up on Donna Allen.

Donna was once again first counter, but had a four minute lead over Lesley at the first meeting reduced to under two minutes, whilst Stacey has also closed well up to within one minute of Donna's time.

These three once again completed the women's team, which finished in second position. Behind them Ann-Marie Rampley was 23rd, and the much improved Shirley Roberts 31st, so that along with Lesley McDermott's 16th, the women's vets' team was again a creditable fourth.

The final member to finish was Eileen Ingham, 44th, who found the course tough but challenging.

SENIOR MEN: In the absence of Neil Coe, it was left to Pete Bates to front run for the club.

Pete always paces these races well and his deceptive start is in marked contrast to his fast finishes.

He finished 30th, just three places behind Radcliffe's Adrian Harris, while David Archer consolidated his overall placing well, finishing 56th on a course not to his liking.

As this is John Young's first cross country season every race is a fresh new challenge, which he is certainly enjoying.

He missed the scenic hills of Marl Pits but was strong enough to finish ahead of Mark Cartwright, Bury's final male counter.