It all came down to this last race at Oswestry, the final fixture of the 2015/16 North Wales Cross Country League season.  As the wind and rain taunted us, most members of Tattenhall Runners team were debating what kit to wear to keep out the elements.  Would it be warm enough just to wear the club vest?  Vest and gloves?  T-shirt underneath?  Two of our finest runners stood apart unconcerned with the elements, Peter Taylor and Ali McNay, both proud Scotsmen; if they had it their way they would be running bare chested through the mud.  A rivalry had developed, and it all came down to this last race, whoever finished first would take the crown of Tattenhall Men’s Cross Country Champion.  As they sprinted off for the first lap they were neck and neck, then Peter took the lead following the first of the fence-crossings.  Ali was undeterred, however, and gradually clawed his way back before pushing on to take victory in his final race for Tattenhall Runners, as he heads back up to Scotland next month.  Well done Ali, the club with certainly miss you, and best of luck for the future.

Ali & Peter battle in out over one of the four fence crossings on the course

In total 9 men and 4 ladies competed in this final race, a good turnout once again, and as the courses have got muddier Tattenhall have proved how much we love the wet stuff following our slow start to the season.  Our ladies team pulled it out of the bag, led home as ever by Alice Robinson, and finished 3rd overall in Division 2, whilst the men did just enough the avoid relegation from Division 1 (we think).  In the individual competitions Ali McNay was 5th overall in the men’s competition, and 2nd in the Vet 40 category.  Simon Ellis was joint winner of the Vet 50 category, whilst Mike Whiteside was 3rd V65.  Well done everyone, as ever there was a brilliant, friendly atmosphere, roll on next season!