Buxton Juniors were on winning form at the first race of the North Staffordshire Cross Country League at Winsford this weekend.

22 youngsters turned out to represent the club on what proved to be classic cross country weather – wet and muddy, taking on a highly competitive field from all over the county.

Leading the way were the outstanding under 17 girls team who dominated the race – Lucy Bednall storming to victory, closely followed by Ellie Wilson in 3rd, Amy Whelan in 5th and Heather Wilshaw in 10th, putting them in first team position in this first of 4 races.

The under 17 boys team were also on podium form with Sam Soles leading the team home in 2nd, Stu Diamond in 6th, Harry Bond 16th and Dan Frewer 22nd.

Making their cross Country debuts and putting in outstanding performances were the U11 teams.  The girls were led home by Eden Pigott in 21st, closely followed by Lena Goulding 22nd, Flo Brown 23rd, Emily Jones 36th and Rachel Cudahy 44th.  Jonty Brown led the Buxton boys in, in an impressive 10th with Dylan Gray 33rd and Jim Burgess 44th.

The under 13 Buxton bog-hoppers were led home by Jack Cook who stormed home in 8th followed by Tommy Goulding making his debut with a creditable 44th.  Lucy Whelan, Grace Bond and Rebecca Cudahy now a seasoned team came in 30th,36th and 49th respectively.  Sienna Philips completed the Buxton squad in the U15 girls race, strong throughout to finish in 12th overall.