JOE Smith lead the way for Bromsgrove and Redditch AC in the final round of the Gloucester Cross Country League at Tewkesbury High School.

Smith finished the 10.3 kilometre course in 36 minutes and 32 seconds to cross the line third overall and also earned bronze in the senior men’s category.

The course was made up of school playing fields and farmers’ fields where the athletes were treated to thick, sticky mud.

In the middle of some serious marathon training Simon Lanckham found good form for his best position (17th, 39.50) of the season and was second back for the club.

He was followed by his father, Kevin Lanckham (40th, 42.22) who was also fast enough for a bronze overall in his age category (MV45).

Andrew Freeman (43rd, 42.44), Dean Hartshorne (55th, 43.55) and Stephen Brooks (63rd, 44.22) completed the scoring six.

Phil Richardson received a bronze medal in his age category (SV55) and Len Quartley got silver in the over-70s section.

Despite being absent from this fixture Lewis Anderson also picked up bronze in the under-20s category.

Meanwhile, the senior women tackled the 7.4km course and were brought home by the ever-present Charlotte Ball (43th, 37.53).

This earned her a gold medal in her age category overall (LV55).

Jane Anderson also fought hard and was next home for the ladies (50th, 40/18). Holly-Jane Smith completed the scoring team with a season highest position (77th, 43.19).

Katie Anderson had done enough in the previous three fixtures to secure a silver medal in the age senior ladies.

Other results: Ian Keyte (69th, 44.46); Jamie Dancyger (89th, 46.46); Phil Richardson (114th, 50.02); Phil Anderson (138th, 52.50); Len Quartley (155th, 56.50).

Next up for Bromsgrove and Redditch AC sees a journey to London for the National Cross Country at Parliament Hill today.

Meanwhile, junior members competed at the final of five West Midland Young Athletes Cross Country League fixtures and were rewarded with both individual and team medals.

Conor Smith finished an excellent third in the under-17 men’s race and secured a silver medal by finishing second overall in the series. In the under-15 girls race, Ellen Bowen came fourth to complete a consistent series where she has never been out of the first six and this gave her third place overall, while the team were third.