ST ALBANS STRIDERS' Ladies made an inauspicious start to the defence of the Metropolitan Cross-Country League after the first fixture of the season at Ruislip on Saturday, October 13.

With the likes of Amanda Yorwerth missing through injury, the squad was tested to its full and Zoe Lowe, returning from injury, was the first Strider home in 29th position.

Supervet Faith Suter, claimed 49th place while Sarah Guest secured the club's sixth scoring position on a difficult day for the ladies team.

In the men's race, Mark Hamer finished in 15th position while Stuart Guest continued the form which saw him finish third in the Review half marathon to take 26th place.

A number of Striders turned out for the 15 kilometre Tring Ridgeway Run on Sunday but it was Michelle Lee who stole the show with a superb race, finishing leading lady as well as the first Strider back.

Faith Suter just missed out in the supervet category but along with Judy Pomphrey and Carole Mooney, the Striders Ladies comfortably took the team prize.

Tring results: Michelle Lee (17) 1:07.21, Pete Smith (79) 1:14.37, Faith Suter (100) 1:16.40, Judy Pomphrey (117) 1:17.28, Geoff Hickmer (137) 1:19.41, Phil Coates (147) 1:19.45, John Kidd (157) 1:20.26, Kevin Morris (172) 1:22.01, Carole Mooney (178) 1:22.20, Christine Inch (185) 1:22.48, Jim Miller (189) 1:22.58, Quentin Keeling (274) 1:30.53, Sarah Mumford (288) 1:32.22, Caroline Hargreaves (319) 1:37.57, Ralph Whitlock (331) 1:40.42.

October 18, 2001 16:34