A full team of six meant a second scoring race of the season in the cross-country at Wrekenton. Conditions were testing to say the least, with mud covering most of the course that wasn’t on a steep hill. Wrekenton has never looked lovelier. There were at least 352 runners (I know this because I was told at the end of the second lap (of three) that I was 351st) and I definitely beat at least one home. Full marks to those who took part: Mark Lyon (who led us home in a respectable 40minutes), captain Jon Parkin, Chris Wright, Joe Bell and Bart Simpson. If this has whetted your appetite for cross-country (and why wouldn’t it?) the next instalment is Alnwick on 2nd March. Tea with Harry Potter and the Duchess of Northumberland for the winner. David