MATTHEW Sheen was a race-winner in the Manchester Area Cross Country League for the second time this season on Saturday.

The Vale Royal Athletics Club runner was too fast for his rivals in the under 17s boys’ category at Wythenshawe Park, finishing almost 20 seconds clear of his closest rival.

Vale Royal’s Edward Pettitt was third in the under 13s boys age class, leaving him tied for first place overall at the end of the five-race series with Sam Hopkins (Salford) and Finley Profitt (Macclesfield).

Jade Evans was second of the junior women to finish, earning her the runners-up prize for the season, the same position as Carole Williams in the women’s over 60s section.

Rob Olliver continued his fine form for the campaign with another top 50 finish, this time an excellent 36th over a muddy course in strong winds and heavy showers.

Tony Archer posted his first sub-100 placing during this season’s series, claiming a category win in the men’s over 55s group.