HEREFORD runners came away with two victories when they competed in the opening round of the Gloucestershire Cross Country League.

A team of 14 athletes from Hereford travelled to Wotton-Under-Edge to race in the opening round.

They were met by wet and boggy conditions for what is considered one of the most competitive cross country leagues in the country.

Matthew Mannion got proceedings off to a perfect start by storming clear to win the under-11 boys' race while Fred Tyler finished 32nd.

Over the 4.8-kilometre under-15 boys event Matthew Brunnock clinched the club's second victory setting a time of 17 minutes and 33 seconds.

Meanwhile Sam Law finished in 25th place.

In the under-11 girls' race Mail Rees finishing inside the top 20 while Maya Stroud took 42nd.

Over a three kilometre course the Hereford under-13 girls' runners battled together with Esther Williams (33rd), Haf Rees (34th) and Jess Law in 38th.

Meanwhile Cai Rees was the only under-13 boys runner finishing 22nd.

In the under-15 girls' event Eva Tyler and

Elizabeth Williams put in strong performances to finish 14th and 19th respectively.

Over the longer 6.4 kilometres course for the under-17 boys' event Pat Morgan clocked a time of 22.38 for sixth place.

Meanwhile in a hotly contested veteran men's race Brian Morgan finished 145th.