A TOTAL of 42 Witham Running Club members took part in the first race of the 53-12 Cross-Country League as they started their bid to show they should remain in division A after being promoted last season.

The ladies put in a solid performance, coming third out of the six teams and the men weren’t far behind in coming fifth. Overall, the club came fourth on aggregate.

Witham were level with Harwich on placings after their men came third and ladies fifth, however, Harwich were 54 points in front so took the third spot overall.

RESULTS: Witham ladies: Hayley Ellen 15, Vicky Hunt 20, Liz Stuckey 24, Wendy Martin 37, Brigid Wallen 39 (3rd V50), Charlotte Elms 51, Anita Grainger 52 (3rd V45), Michelle English 55, Shelley Enders 88, Tracey Denby 113, Sasha Rush 118, Dawn Shilling 121, Becky Grimwood 126, Haydeh Savafi 127, Denise Smith 134, Kim Farren 136, Lynne Williams 146, Jane Noble 147.

Witham men: Chris Martin 28, Mark Finbow 29, Heydon Mizon 33, Scott Darney 43, Sean Darney 51, Stuart Mills 83, Trevor Scott 89, Simon Scott 107, Mark Austin 111, Lee Pembroke 121, Tony Wallen 128, Alex Stuckey 146, Paul English 147, Phil Cherry 171, Sean O’Connor 173, Shawn Beckerleg 177, Bill Smythe 181, David Enders 186, James Montgomery 192, James Kennerley 193, Mark Williams 199, Geoff Reddin 228, David Toombs 236, Dave Beckerleg 240.