Plenty of good CAC performances at the 4th Westward League, with highlights being a fine first league win by Owen Willet in the Under 15 Boys, just out-sprinting James Waldie, who in turn had another great run in 2nd place.  Also a classy 2nd in the Under 13 Boys by Callum Jones, a return to form by Craig Cadwallader, who was 4th in the Under17 Boys event and an excellent 2nd in the Senior Women by Jo Friday, making her a big favourite for the overall title.

The Senior Ladies/Under 20 and Under17 Ladies/Under 17 Boys race was first off and all came back safely, after negotiating even more stiles than usual (thanks to the National Trust for that!).  Lacking our Under 17 Girls and one or two veteran ladies, we didn't have our usual strength in depth but we made up for it in quality, with Jo's 2nd place behind British marathon international Jo Kelsey, Sue Ogilvie's solid 14th place, Emma Stallard's best league performance yet in 15th and Katie Maddever, 20th on her 18th birthday.  Many congratulations Katie!

Craig Cadwallader had a far better run than last week at Bicton, coming 4th and beating all the Senior Women back to the park.  He is beginning to look like he could be a real asset to the Senior team in a couple of years.

The Under 13 Girls featured Freya Glover as our only non-Penair runner and she gave a good impression of her older sister Helen when she was in her running prime, as she coasted home in 10th position.

Only two of our strong Under 13 Boys team made it up to Bideford and that puts an end to their league medal challenge but behind Callum's 2nd, Josh Mortimer ran very well for 15th place in one of the larger fields of the day.

Our Under 15 Girls were next up and handled the multi terrain course well.  Amy Rundle flew around in 6th, with Ellie Starr running well in 10th, Janine Wee, improving all the time in 12th and Katie Dunford close behind in 15th.

The finish of the Under 15 Boys was a fine sight as Owen and James battled it out in the yellow and green  ahead of the rest and they were well backed up by Felix Coates in 10th and Oliver Eastburn in 16th for a  good team victory.

Last up were the Senior Men and luckily we had 7 on the line but unfortunately John Waldie only lasted 50metres or so before his back went and Andrew Langdon could still be out there somewhere as we didn't see him return - let us know if you're safe, Andrew!  And the rescue services!!  Those who made the finish are now accomplished at getting through stiles, if not so hot on running up very steep, muddy hills with non-grippy shoes!  Dave thought he was in with a chance until Kevin Toher demolished him on THE hill and then only just hung on for 2nd.  Nathan Gosling had another great run to beat Tony Dunn for the second time ever (and second time in 8 days!) finishing 10th, with Tony finishing too far behind for his liking in 15th.  Jon Keast managed to keep on course for a top 10 overall finish, with a good 17th after injury over Xmas and Dave Rowe brought the team home in 31st with another solid run.

Well done all who ran - an enjoyable day out on an unusually balmy winter's day on the north Devon coast.