ANOTHER national podium finish for Inverclyde Athletic Club was added to their honours list by the senior men at the National Cross Country Relays held in Cumbernauld.

The quartet of Jonny Glen, Andy Douglas, Craig Ruddy and Dan Mulhare carried the threat of Inverclyde’s elite and, with some testing wet and windy weather, Jonny set the team off.

The under-20 athlete, moving into the senior team for his first season, did not disappoint with a dogged first leg, keeping Inverclyde in the top positions before handing over to mountain expert Andy. Andy moved past the leaders and hit the front after the first mile.

Conscious of being tailed by Commonwealth athlete Callum Hawkins, Andy drove round the course in determined fashion, holding off Callum until the finish came in sight with Craig waiting to spring into action in second place. Craig had a steady first half but managed to move into the lead as he strode over the challenging second half to hand a slim lead to Dan.

Dan gave his usual easy-on-the- eye effortless style which belies the pace and power he generates over the ground.

Holding off GB internationalist Andy Butchart was never going to be easy and so it panned out with Dan giving his all to win silver and record the fastest time of the day.

The other senior teams witnessed a return to form for Greg Williams who looked more like his old self and needs to build on this foundation for the coming indoor season. Ali Law made his senior debut and made it a family affair with wife Kim and son Josh out for the ladies and junior boys team respectively.

In the junior boys, Ryan Gray eased through the field on the under-15 age group leg to record the fastest time of the day.

His team-mate at under-17 level Ross Forbes was equally impressive after his top Renfrewshire spot last week and a text book sprint-style for the finish was to be emulated by his younger club mates.

Cliona and Nuala McCheyne were the star turns in the girls’ race, with Nuala bringing the team home in second place before twin Cliona, competing against the under-15s and holding her own, to ensure Inverclyde consolidated their position.

Jennifer Lynn completed the team in the under-17 group, despite being under-15, and brought the team home just outside the top 10. Leah Cameron recorded a fabulous time and confidently looks forward to the coming races as did Jack Stuart on his first competitive run for Inverclyde.

For full details and results, visit www.inverclydeac.co.uk