LEE McCash has won the first big cross country event of the season, the opening round of the Reebok Cross Challenge at Liverpool.

Running in conditions described by one correspondent as 'desperately muddy', but by Lee's father Joe as 'an ideal day with the sun shining', Lee had what Joe described as "a right good run." Relishing his first country outing of the winter, the former Pendle ace beat his rivals comfortably, recording 26:07 for the 8.5K.

Despite winning £100, he is unlikely to be tempted into contesting the series, although he is expecting to run in the Margate International on November 19, possibly as a member of the regional squad.

At the moment he is tailoring his training to racing over the shorter distances of 800m and 1500m next season.

His new Sale team mate Amanda Parkinson also made a successful start to the season at Sefton Park.

Baxenden's Amanda was fourth in the senior ladies race.