ATHLETICS: Vale Royal AC runner Charlotte Roach picked up a team gold on her Great Britain debut at the European Cross Country Under 20s Championships in Spain on Sunday. She also finished fourth in the individual race.

The race was won by Steph Twell from Aldershot. Charlotte finished one second ahead of Ukrainian Olha Sprypak.

Coach Shaun McGrath said: “This is another stunning result. We are just a small rural club but we keep turning out internationals.”

Elsewhere Stevie Stockton won the senior ladies race at the North Staffs Cross Country meet at Leek on Saturday.

Stockton lead from the gun and left the other 80 runners in her wake. They included clubmate Becky Ellis who was seventh.

Vale Royal dominated the Under 17s races, Andy Clews winning one and Cathy Stringer the other. Katie Howard was fourth. Gavin Tomlinson won bronze in the final senior placings.

Other runners included Jade Evans, Lewis Healey, Josh Boyce (U13s), Luke Ackerman (U11s), Hannah Paver, Fiona Weir, Mike Beasant (U15s), Ed Crowther (U17s) and Tom Beasant (seniors).

Christmas clash

RUGBY UNION: Winnington Park are staging a stars of Christmas Present v Past match on December 29.

Ben Elliot will skipper an Under 30s side to meet Gareth Lloyd’s Over 30s team at Burrow’s Hill.

Both captains report high interest and intend putting on Barbarians style entertainment for supporters.

Any past or current players who wish to take part can contact Lloyd on 07764 250673 or Elliot on 07872 833757.

Chairman Richard Elliot is reviving Winnington’s traditional carol concert at the club next Wednesday. Former captain John Clare and members of the Kelsburrow Choir will lead the singing.

Ready to rumble

BOXING: Winsford ABC will put four boxers into the ring in the New Year.

Light middleweight Andrew Washington, 21; lightweight Dane Ollier, 18 and middleweights James Bownes, 20 and 25-year-old Ben Brooks will all be in peak condition by then, says coach Tommy Blackmore.

“The club is full, but we have not had anyone box so far. In January they will get matches and should do well.

“They include Ben Brooks, who boxed for us as a schoolboy and fancies giving it another go.’