INVRCLYDE AC had both their senior men and ladies on the winners’ podium at the West District Cross Country relay championships. The event held at Birkmyre Park in Kilmacolm was always going to be a fast and spectator-friendly course.

Michael Houston gained promotion to the A team after some positive performances.

He led the quartet and a solid performance saw him bring the team home in the top placings before handing over to Dan Mulhare. Dan sprinted from the start line and was soon hauling the leading athletes in with every powerful stride as he moved through the field, bringing Inverclyde into third position as well as his personal time being the fastest of the day. Jonny Glen was then unleashed.

Jonny, enjoying a rich vein of form, set about his task of consolidating his position on the first lap before moving into closer contention on the final lap. As the changeover appeared in sight, Jonny pulled Inverclyde into second place.

On the final glory leg, Craig Ruddy had it all to do and set a tone early on as he hit top gear within the first few strides.

At the halfway mark Craig cruised past the leader and took his club into pole position.

There was little doubt as to the outcome as he moved clear, bringing the team home in gold medal position and another district title.

The senior ladies’ team, with a change of tact, had Chloe Simpson leading off and after a solid run, handed over to Rachael Bushfield.

Rachael pulled the competition in over the first mile or so before striding past and put the team into contention for Julie Gordon on the final leg. Julie, using all her experiences and determination, steadied the team position before moving closer to the other athletes, before moving into bronze medal position in the finishing part of the race, adding a fourth award in the past three weeks. With a number of other teams competing, Mark Pollard produced a top display after being a bit off colour over the last few weeks and showed why he should never be underestimated over cross country, recording one of the fastest runs of the day.

Callum Hunter enjoyed the faster course and will take confidence from his fine performance.

Duncan McFadyen was the standard bearer for the older athlete, recording a time his young team-mates would be proud of. Nyke Mulholland had a gutsy run that puts her in contention for a place in the first team over the coming weeks. In the young age groups, Josh Law had the pressure of leading off the team of Ryan Gray and Ross Forbes as the boys gained a top 10 finish, with Ryan being one of the fastest young athletes of the day.

Cameron Watson is getting back to his old self with a good time and Matthew McKinnon returned to action after his shoulder injury.

In the girls’ race Cliona McCheyne ran a fabulous first leg before twin Nuala displayed the talent which saw her win the national 800m title to bring the team home in second place.

Jennifer Lynn anchored the team, recording another top 10 finish for the girls.

Full results and details at www.inverclydeac.co.uk