INVERCLYDE Athletic Club juniors travelled to Heriot-Watt Campus in Edinburgh for the final national event in the Scottish winter season, the National Junior Road Race Championships.

There was anticipation in the under-13 girls’ squad, having gained a well-deserved silver team medal in last month’s national cross country championships, and the girls rose to the occasion, with Nuala McCheyne securing a few places to finish sixth.

And as Jennifer Lyne and sister Cliona finished in the top 20, local support was optimistic that another silver medal was assured. Contributing to the team count with an improved performance were Clara Pollock, Gillian Carmichael with a determined finish, and Samanatha Dunning — who continues to gain confidence with every race and gained a big leap in her finishing position. It was a happy team who went onto the podium to be awarded a silver medal for the second time in as many months.

The second race of the day involved Cameron Watson in the under-13 boys event.

This was his second race of the weekend, having won the Boys’ Brigade National Cross Country Championships the day before.

But undeterred, Cameron in his usual style set the pace and came into the finish zone leading.

However, in the closest finish of the day, Cameron was agonisingly overtaken to cross the line in third place, claiming a national bronze medal. Cameron can look back on a successful winter season with national titles and podium finishes in all the major events to his credit.

Sammy Hearl, competing in the under-15 boys event, was another who had a busy weekend, competing for his school in a local event on Saturday morning, then an early start in the Edinburgh Kilmathon where he won the junior event before coming across to participate for his club.

Despite having tired legs, Sammy ran a determined race and should be more than content with his weekend’s results.

With all the Scottish National and District Cross Country titles to his credit, Jonny Glen started the under-17 men’s event hopeful of also adding the Road Championship to his list of achievements for the season.

However, a determined Euan Gilham of Kilbarchan put paid to the fairytale ending, opening up a wide gap at the start of the second lap which could not be caught.

Despite this setback, Jonny kept his focus and saw off the challenge from Edinburgh’s Josh Kerr to take silver.

Jonny’s title haul over the cross country season, which includes relay team titles involving all three age groups, is not something which is seen often and is indicative of a very successful winter season based on hard work and determination. With strong runs from both Josh Houston and Ross Forbes, the under-17 men’s team were on the podium presented with the bronze medal.

Inverclyde AC juniors can look back on a successful winter season, with many improved performances to raise confidence and determination for the coming track season.

Under-15 boy Ryan Gray, who won the schools’ championship last weekend, will claim his first national vest next weekend as he competes for Scottish Schools in the Schools’ International Cross Country Championships being held in Bolton, England.

All at Inverclyde AC send congratulations and best wishes to Ryan.

Inverclyde AC is supported by Sport Inverclyde.

Details of junior training can be found on the club’s website at www.inverclydeac.co.uk Results: Under-13 girls: N. McCheyne, 9.27; J. Lyne, 9.49; C. McShane, 9.49; C. Pollock, 10.22; G. Carmichael, 10.49; S. Dunning, 11.12.

Under-13 boys: C. Watson, 8.32.

Under-15 boys: S. Hearl, 16.33.

Under-17 men: J. Glen, 15.49; J. Houston, 17.07; R. Forbes, 18.09.