After an 18 month hiatus the North Wales Cross Country series resumed in typically wet weather in Wrexham.

Despite other major running events being rescheduled and leading to a clash with the NWXC series opener and depleting the entry, Oswestry Olympians still managed to field a strong team in both men’s and ladies races.

Ali Lavender led the way, a week after her success in the Berlin marathon, and ended a convincing winner of the ladies race to maintain her outstanding form since the return of competition after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Border Counties Advertizer: Ian Gibson in action.

Ian Gibson in action.

Susie Hancock was first in female 60 age class and Nicola Shipp enjoyed her debut at cross country and finished a creditable ninth.

Julie Davies also ran strongly on her cross country debut for the club and all members of the ladies team finished in the top 50 runners.

The men’s team were led home by Ian Woolcock with Tim Tansley, James Pickering and Charlie Woolcock grouping well in the top 50.

Border Counties Advertizer: Ashley Grey in action.

Ashley Grey in action.

Ashley Grey and Sam Davies worked hard to finish well on their cross country debuts for the club.

After the first race the ladies and ladies masters team sit in second place in the league.

Buckley top the women’s rankings with Oswestry second while Tattenhall lead the women’s masters.

The men’s team are currently furth and fifth in the men’s and masters leagues.

Shrewsbury lead the men’s league by some stretch while also topping the men’s masters league table.

The next fixture is in Bangor on October 23.