A SMALL group of runners from Bude RATS Juniors have been competing in a series of cross country runs over the winter months in the Gliddon and Squire North Devon Cross country league.

The youngsters have endured difficult conditions this winter but this didn’t stop them gaining great results.

The league concluded on Sunday, February 7 at West Buckland School where the wet weather just held out to see the competitors run their last race.

For the U11 boys, Archie Whitefeild had an impressive season, consistently finishing in the top five, giving him a well deserved 3rd position in the final individual league results. Will Jennings finished 11th and Will Collings 12th.

As a team the boys came second in a strong field against top North Devon Clubs.

The U13 girls team of Issy Edworthy, Sophie Shute and Ella Henry-Brock finished 3rd as a team.

In the individual competition, Ella showed impressive runs, running against girls a year older and finishing very well in 4th. This was also the case for Sophie who finished 15th and Issy who finished 7th.

In the U9 age category, the determined young Saul Barraclaugh just missed out on an individual prize, coming 7th out of nearly 100 competitors in this age group.

Samuel Jennings competed in the U15 category, he had strong runs throughout the league finishing 4th overall.

A spokesperson for Bude RATS expressed thanks to all the host venues and organisers of the league.