Claire Martin continued her impressive pre Christmas form into the New Year with another superb victory. The Telford AC athlete who strode to a comfortable victory in the Shropshire Championships at Lilleshall and followed that up last week with a comprehensive victory in the Midland Womens Cross Country League at Coventry. The wet and muddy Counden Park course attracted a field of 135 athletes from 23 clubs throughout the Midlands. Claire, from Aqueduct was again in superb form and led for most of the race to continue her unbeaten record in this league this season as she recorded a hat trick of victories, winning in 21.34, 11 seconds clear of second placed Abbey Westley from Loughborough University.

She also had the satisfaction of leading home a strong Telford team that is still leading the league in a bid to retain the title they won last season. Although Loughborough University won on the day with 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Telford second on the day, still have a narrow 6 point lead with one race to go. The Telford AC veterans team followed up their second place in the second race with victory this time ahead of Stratford.

Kim Green was the club's second scorer in 5th,22.24, with Sian Davies the 3rd scorer in 11th,23.55. Hayley Jennings, was 12th,23.59, although she is not eligible to count for the club until February following her move from Tipton Harriers.

Julie Kirby was 28th and the first of the scorers for the veterans team in 25.02, whilst Cheralyn Evans was 64th in 27.50 and Lisa Blagden was 74th in 28.32.

Leading team results
1. Loughborough Univ 9
2. Telford AC 17
3. Birchfield Harriers 37
4. Solihull and Small Heath 66
5. Tipton Harriers 81
6. Coventry 99.

Veteran Teams
1. Telford AC 166
2. Stratford on Avon 177
3. Amazing Feet 182
4. Halesowen 187
5. Bourneville 215
6. Rugby and Northampton 219.

Shropshire Schools Cross Country Championships They will be held on Sat 3rd Feb at Oswestry School. First race 10.30 am. Races for Year 7, Year 8/9, Year 10/11, Year 12/13. All schools and colleges in Shropshire have been sent entry forms. Any queries contact Paul Sanderson 01952 388370.