GEORGE Beardmore was the first Worcester runner home in the fourth Birmingham Cross Country League race at Lilleshall.

The city looked to secure a mid-table Division One finish in high winds and energy-sapping mud at the National Sports Centre in Shropshire.

They tackled four laps of 2.2 kilometres across rutted fields with several long straights and only one hill of note.

Beardmore finished 16th in 30 minutes 29 seconds, only 1.32 being winner Omar Ahmed of Birchfield Harriers.

The Worcester runner was joined by A team colleagues Ben Duncan (36th, 31.16), Ben Jones (43rd, 31.34), Daniel Geisler (56th, 31.59), Jake Watson (68th, 32.25) and Robbie Campbell (79th, 32.47).

The team were sixth on the day and ninth in the overall series.

Their efforts in coach Andy Peach’s training sessions have been rewarded with improved results.

Finley Smith led the B team in 100th in 33.26 alongside Adam Pollock (122nd, 34.01), David Price (127th, 34.18), Ciaran Connor (130th, 34.24), Mike Jeavons (131st, 34.25) and Stefan Sternkopf (139th, 34.48).

Their consistency has helped Worcester defend a mid-table position.

Matt Fairlamb was 167th in 36.20, Rob Jones 171st in 36.39, Tom Bentley 181st in 37.36, Jeremy Burton 190th in 38.10, Ray Miles 191st in 38.18, Phil Edwards 200th in 38.56 and David Pound 215th in 40.41.

Team manager Dave Waldron said: “I cannot personally remember, since my time at the club which is now 20-plus years, that the senior men’s cross country team has achieved so much in a season.

“If proof was needed, in finishing the A team in sixth place we have shown we have the capability of beating a number of teams in the strong top eight in the division and that will be the challenge next year.”

Beardmore was rewarded for his consistent displays with the Under 20 Division One Champion Trophy.

He is the first under 20s runner in Worcester’s history to win the coveted title of best junior athlete of the season.

The team tackle the Midlands 12-stage road relays on March 23 when they hope to improve on last year’s 16th place and break into the top 10.

For more on the Nunnery Wood Sports Complex-based club, email info@worcester-ac.co.uk or visit worcester-ac.co.uk.