On Saturday after the December Manchester League x-country being delayed and the January Manchester League x-country was cancelled the 3^rd out of what is now a 4 race series took place at Kenworthy Woods.  Dry conditions meant that it was fast running over the relatively flat course.

The U11’s race was first up and once again it was a close race between the Trafford runners with Sebastian White (23^rd) just outsprinting Harry Armer (24^th) in the finish.  Not far behind in the girls race Betsy Widdop (31^st) came through the big field to finish strongly.

In the U13 race the Trafford boys all showed improvement meaning the team finished 2^nd moving them into a clear 3^rd place overall in this winter series with one race to go.  In a quality field Thomas Daly (6^th) made a good start and was always within site of the leaders as they strung out.  Ethan O’Brien (13^th) was towards the front of the lead group with great runs from Paddy Widdop (17^th) and Daniel White (18^th) just behind.  Sammy Cowles (27^th) had his best run this winter with Thomas Fotheringham (29^th) and Joe Bowden (36^th) running well in the big field.

In the U15 boys race Arlo Mander Tulius (9^th) continued his improvement this winter outsprinting Ralphie Rome (10^th) with both boys ahead of several of their rivals from this winter.  Rio Franklin (19^th) had a great run and there were improvements from Joe Thomas (25^th) and Sam Ingleby-Castleton (35^th).  This put the Trafford team in 3^rd place on the day and makes for an exciting last race with 4 teams including Trafford battling for the bronze team medals overall in the series.  In the girls race there was a big turnout of Trafford runners. Once again it was Sarah Smith (12^th) leading the team to 6^th place.  She was backed up by Beth Stanley (20^th), Zoe Placzkiewicz (30^th), Ianthe Jones (31^st), Genny Jackson (35^th) and Josephine Hensher (38^th).

There was a big turnout of 37 runners in the Men’s U17 race especially as there were only 7 Trafford runners in the field, but this didn’t stop the team from once again winning, meaning they have won the league with a race to spare.  The real competition is with Trafford’s ‘B’ team trying to get into the medals.  In the race Liam Johnson (St.Helens Sutton), runner up in the recent Northern Championships, shot off into a early lead with only one chaser.  The Trafford boys packed the lead group and on the last lap it was Jay Hutchinson (2^nd) who moved clear just ahead of Tio Austin (4^th) and Tim Ye (5^th).  Showing great strength Archie Greenwood (7^th) came through the field for his best x-country race this winter and after a recent injury Evan Horwell (16^th) looks like he is getting back to form.  Enjoying the faster running, the track runners Rowan Leeming (22^nd) and Thomas Harris (24^th) ran well.  This put Trafford’s ‘A’ team first and the ‘B’ team a close 5^th on the day.

In the women’s U17 race Isobel Thomas ran well finishing 9^th and with Rafaella Ingleby-Castleton 12^th and Sophie Bowman 17^th the team were 2^nd to Sale and with one race left both teams are level in 1^st place.

In the women’s 8km race Vicki O’Meara (4^th) moved through the field to equal her highest finishing position in the Manchester league since 2019, where she went on to win the overall title.  Next back was Amy Cauley (50^th) just making the top 50, backed up by Ruth Beresford (93^rd) and Mel Monks (116^th).  Trafford’s veterans packed well behind with Louise Mangan (132^nd ), Jo Lott (158^th ) and Sue Exon (238^th , 2^nd V70).  This leaves the Trafford Senior women’s team in third place overall in Division 1, the ‘B’ team are still in 3^rd and the veteran team 6^th in division 1.

In the Senior Men’s race Simon O’Meara is obviously training well with his wife Vicki as he also led the Men’s team with a 23^rd place.  Close behind with another good run in 37^th was Josh Watson (6^th u20) followed by Jeff Prest in 49^th (2^nd v50) and Laurence Skidmore had his best run of the winter in 62^nd.  The Trafford juniors Dan Partington (75^th) and Toby Robinson (80^th) finished off the Trafford team leaving them a high 7^th overall and 2^nd in the Division 2 league.  The junior team were 2^nd on the day and this means they have won the league with a race to spare.  Also finishing was Mike Hutchinson (254^th) who has now raced in an athletics event every year since 1975.

Click here for Full Results : https://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2025/maccl24-3.pdf