North Herts Road Runners finished fourth in the Three Counties Cross-Country League and can now compete at the national cross-country finals at Nottingham. It was partly due to another victory for Angela Tyrrell and a splendid comeback run by injury-affec

North Herts Road Runners finished fourth in the Three Counties Cross-Country League and can now compete at the national cross-country finals at Nottingham.

It was partly due to another victory for Angela Tyrrell and a splendid comeback run by injury-affected Astrid McKeown in the final league fixture at Bedford on Sunday.

Tyrrell won her third race in the series and was supported by McKeown (fourth), Suzy Crowe (11th) and veteran Jane Chappell (14th). This was enough to see the ladies' team finish second in the race.

Over a flat, five-mile course which included the crossing of three rivers, the men's team did not quite have the same cutting edge.

They still scored solidly to finish fourth, with Steve McKeown top scoring in 12th place. Pete Sibbett was next in 24th place but had the distinction of finishing the series as the league's top veteran runner.

Although hoping to challenge for the title, the Letchworth-based club were still pleased with their final league placing which was won by Wootton Road Runners from Northampton.

Top four positions: 1 - Wootton Road Runners 59pts; 2 - Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers 54pts; 3 - Bedford Harriers 49pts; 4 - North Herts Road Runners 48pts.

There were debut half-marathons for three club members over a hilly Berkhamsted course the same day.

Bev Evison just dipped under two hours in 1-59:26 followed by Marie Shonk (2.01:57) and Natalie Simmonds (2.03:50).

As part of his preparations for the Rome Marathon later this month, Mike Mello competed in windy conditions at the Wymondham 20-mile road race and finished in 2-40:07.