KERRY Riley spearheaded West Cheshire AC's charge at the popular Chester Spring Five-Mile Road Race.

The Under 20 junior won first prize in her age category with a time of 35 minutes 55 seconds, just five seconds clear of club colleague Kate Titlow, fresh from her appearance representing Cheshire at the English National Schools Cross Country Championships at Leeds.

U20 junior Alec Beaney headed West Cheshire's men to the finishing line, securing third place in his age category and 27th position over-all with a time of 28:39.

He was followed home around the fast course, staged in ideal conditions, by Graham Jenkins, 30th in 28:46; U20 junior Louis Humphreys, 33rd in 28:51, and Andrew Clague, 34th in 28:51.

Other West Cheshire AC members in action included Russell Kirk (48th in 29:21); Alan Littler (157th in 34:34); David Herrington (188th in 36:43); Andrew Hetherington (209th in 38:22); Barry Gardner, and Mary Radford.

Rick Hayman, representing Sale Harriers Manchester, won the race, which attracted 400 runners.

Hayman posted a time of 25:05, catapulting him clear of Paul Freary (Belgrave) in second spot with 25:19, and Salford Harriers' Tarus Elly, third in 25:32.

Ruth Hetherington, of Wrexham AC, secured top spot in the ladies race after posting a time of 29:34, finishing clear of Ellesmere Port Running Club's Nicola Bird in second position (29:45).

Tattenhall's Marilyn Kitching won the over-35 ladies prize in 30:03, and Linda Worrall (Chester Tri) won the over-50 prize with 35:08. n Entries are now being accepted for the Cheshire County AA Track and Field Championships being held at Macclesfield, on May 12 and 13. Forms can be downloaded from the county athletics website: www.cheshireaa.com