Apart from having 60 other teams to compete with in the Westward Cross-country League, it seems Exmouth Harriers like to compete with each other, writes Cathy Newman.

In the second round at Newquay on Sunday, only one second separated Simon Minting and Anthony Hatchard after 30 minutes of running.

On this particular occasion, Simon’s superior sprint finish trumped Anthony’s endurance; they finished 28th and 29th respectively.

As the major cross-country league of the region, team competition is fierce with every place and every pointing counting towards the final standings.

Dave Stone was 70th, Nathan Sheehy, 91st, Pete Belcher, 107th, Jon Garrity, 116th, Hugh Marsden, 140th, Des White, who currently leads the M60 competition, was 158th and Lee Grant finished 164th.

Missing several strong team members, they did well to hang on to 10th place from 61 teams.

There are still four more races to go and they will be looking to improve this position.

In the ladies race team captain Kate Baker was first to finish in 64th place overall, followed by Susan Hill, who finished 83rd and is currently third in the F55 competition. Alison White finished 97th and Dawn Teed was 103rd.

Conditions were good with rare, but welcome autumn sunshine, and the course was much drier underfoot than in previous years.