THE Reebok Red Rose Cross Country League finished at Rawtenstall last Saturday with Rossendale, Todmorden and Burnley all in the prizes.

At a wet and heavy Marl Pits, Rossendale Harriers' own leg threw up a home winner in Steve Duxbury (pictured). His 12th position in the senior men's race placed him first in the over 45's division.

It also confirmed him as the veteran winner in the series ahead of M40's Tony Duffy of Bolton and Thornton Taylor of Rossendale who were joint second. Chris White and Anthony Gotts were second and thirrd Junior Men, but had to bow to the superiority of Chris Iddon of Bolton.

Rossendale athletes across the age range took part, and it was under 13 Ramiro Meeks who was the most successful of the youngsters. Ramiro was fifth on the day and fourth over the series.

Peach Murphy was ninth under 13 girl helping her to 11th overall. Michelle Dew's ninth in the senior ladies race edged her into equal seventh for the series as Julie Feeney won third L40 on Saturday and fourth over the season.

Sue Becconsall of Todmorden was the L40 winner of the league, although she was second veteran behind L35 Janet Rashleigh of Horwich.

Rashleigh was the senior ladies winner with Sue equal third.

Todmorden's men ran strongly on Saturday with Andy Wrench just fending off a challenge from team mate George Ehrhardt to clinch victory.

The result also gave Andy the series having recorded two wins and one second.

George didn't classify not having run the required three races, so Paul Dugdale of Horwich took second followed by Rossendale trio Martin Lee, Andy Payne and Steve Duxbury.

For Todmorden John Wright was sixth and John Devlin and George Barrow both won their age groups.

Burnley's Danielle Walker had already clinched the under 13 title with two wins and a second, so she ran in the Mid Lancs League at Blackburn instead -- and won. Chris Hart from Burnley did race though and was first in the under 15's.