SEFTON Park hosted the European Cross Country Trials and the second race in the UK Cross Challenge.

Bobby and Lilly Birkett gained their first experiences on such a stage as they took on the mud bath of a course in the U11 Boys and U13 Girls races.

Charlie Roberts had a great run in the U17 Men’s race finishing in 19:31 over the 5.5km course.

Later as the mud got churned up further, Sonya Monaghan was the only Sutton Senior Woman to take on the course, returning to racing for the first time after a series of injuries.

Sutton gathered a great turnout with two teams competing in the senior men. First back was Jon-Jo Doherty having a great run coming home just outside the top 100 in 107th, he was followed by Liam Todd who is continuing his impressive performances since joining Sutton this winter.

David Twigg and Ste Anders were next home for the team, while the ever present John Greenall was 5th counter and closely followed by Chris Birkett rounding out the first team of 6 for Sutton.

Andy Wilson and Jake Healy were next back through the mud giving a good start for the second Sutton team.

Ian Costello back from injuries had a great run, quickly followed by Ian Roberts who had worked his way through the field, after working well with next placed runner Matt Blake. Greg Carns and Chris Reid then rounded out the team putting in strong performances.

Sunday saw Matt Crehan take on the Wilmslow Festive 10km, and though struggling with an Achilles injury managed over a minute PB, running 30:12 to finish 8th.