James Mee made it two North Midlands XC League wins out of two to put himself in pole position to become the first Heanor RC runner to win the individual trophy since Jon Wainwright in 1990.

James was up against a tough field in Corby on Saturday, including OWLS AC’s Ed Highton, who he edged out by one second for victory in the first fixture at Markeaton Park last month, and GB international steeplechaser Luke Gunn.

Going through the first of three laps as part of a five-strong group, James and Highton ground it out to move away from the field and leave it between themselves to wrestle for the victory once more.

Highton pushed hard on the final lap but James dug deep and his strength told as he came out on top again to win by two seconds in 30:34.

Repeating his tenth place finish from the first fixture, Stuart King was the second runner back in yellow and blue, with Joe Rainsford, returning from a six week calf injury lay-off, and Tom O’Mara placing 25th and 26th respectively.

Rounding off the men’s team scorers was Ashley Deeming in 69th and the quintet’s combined efforts saw the team finish an impressive third. With two fixtures remaining – including the next one on home turf at Shipley Park on December 7th – the team lie in fourth.

Also in action were Tony Weatherson and Paul Winfield, who placed 106th and 130th respectively.

HRC were well-represented in the junior races once again, with five juniors making the long trip south to Northamptonshire.

Dylan George finished a credible 13th in the U13B 3k race despite being ill all week whilst Lily Winfield set off hard and placed 7th in the U13G event.

Following on from their 72nd place finish at the English National XC Relays, the U15 girls performed well to finish fourth overall in the opening event of the day. Danielle Smith improved on her impressive opening fixture performance by two positions to finish 3rd and led home teammates Emily Deeming (16th) and Georgia Stirland (28th) in the 3k event.

Full results