RUNNING: HELSBY High runners have beaten the odds by retaining the English Schools Cross-Country Championship.

The school captured the intermediate boys' title for a second successive year - a feat achieved only three times before. The six-strong team included three of the successful 2003 line-up.

Their victory in the 4,400m final at Oswestry School was the culmination of a three-month effort, after progressing through county and regional rounds to be the country's best.

Helsby were clear winners with individual bronze medal-list Lawrence Walker and Tom Ward, who finished sixth, paving the way.

Their Warrington AC teammate Steven Ireland, a first-year intermediate, came in 23rd in the U15s event for athletes from Years 9-10. The fourth counter was Jack Mc-Cabe, who joined Walker and Ward in last year's team.

Matthew Lodge (103rd) and Dwane Walker (111th) completed the team and they will have key roles next year when the school bids for an unprecedented hat-trick.

Head of PE Dennis Evans said: 'We are very happy and all credit to the boys. To win it once was great but to win it twice is unreal.'

Helsby scored 68 to finish clear of runners-up Emerson Park from Hornchurch, Essex, with 91 and Manchester Grammar, third on 97.

The final featured 24 sides - the top three from each of the eight regions.

Helsby's junior boys team from Years 7-8 finished third in the county and second in the region, and they went on to finish ninth out of 24 finalists.

Harry Ellis came in 13th, Richard Chadwick 29th, James Mainwaring 44th, Martin Ashley 109th, Mark Coman 111th and Sam Hayes 119th.