Mendip AC were crowned South West Cross Country Champions at the weekend for the under 13 boys age-group. With the cream of the regions distance runners making their way to the picturesque setting of Bicton College near Exemouth, this event is gaining a well-deserved reputation as one of the highest quality events in the national cross country calender. Running over two laps of the undulating course, the runners had to contend with four lung bursting climbs along with several other lesser climbs. With Bath's Hayden Burton, a former Mendip Junior Schools League race winner, forcing the pace from the gun, it was left to Mark Bailey to lead the Mendip AC charge. With Mark clearly not back to his best after recently recovering from a heady cold - Yeovil rival Sam Somerseville, who Mark had convincingly beaten at their last encounter - was comfortably in second. Behind Mark, the other Mendip runners were closely gathered, with Finley Marsh ahead of Charlie Fraser and Dan Solway, with brothers James and Alex Williams just behind. With Mark making a brave move through the field on the second circuit, he climbed to a crutial tenth spot on the final hill - essentially ensuring that Somerset picked up the Inter-County prize. With Finley completing in 17th, and Dan just getting past Charlie on the final run-in to finish 22nd and 24th to close the team. James also came through on the second lap to complete in 31st place, with Alex ten places back. With four runners to score Mendip won with 73 points from North Somerset on 86 and East Cornwall Harriers on 100.

New member Lydia Lavaccini was the club's only competitor in the under 13 girls race and after a steady start Lydia moved through the field in confident style to finish an excellent 15th, while Ben Millar ran solidly to finish in 17th place in the under 15 boys event.

The next race on the club cross country calendar is the Wessex League fixture at Ham Hill near Yeovil on Sunday 24th January.