The bitter weather at the weekend proved no obstacle to Oswestry Olympians Juniors as they retained their narrow overall lead after the penultimate race in the Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League.

Several of the age groups also have chances of winning trophies with everything to be decided in the final race which they host at Oswestry School this weekend.

The new course planned by Telford AC at Abraham Darby School provided some fast racing with fewer hills than in the previous two races.

Jayden Janicki again showed everyone a clean pair of heels to win the U11 boys’ race for the third time in succession. Several of the boys had played football earlier in the morning but showed superb fitness and determination to gain valuable points for their club. Charlie Lister enjoyed his debut as the U13 boys’ team came first on the day, while Isobel Park and Fia Lamont (U11 girls) also made successful debuts for the club as the U11 and U13 girls’ teams both finishing second.

Nationally ranked 800-metre track runner Aaron Warburton showed his versatility returning after injury to claim third with Ollie Coburn, Elliot O’Connor and Josh Martin in their first outings of the season also boosting a seven strong U15 boys’ side.

With just one race to go the under 11 boys’ team lead Wrekin Harriers by just one point, while the U13 boys’ have a clear lead in their category. The U15 boys currently lie second and the U17 boys are equal with Concord College in third place. Home advantage might help the under 11 and under 13 girls who have everything to run for in the last race with both teams second and within 10 points of the leaders.