Brecker and Holt show their class to win races and retain senior titles

CITY of Stoke AC stars

Alex Brecker and Katie

Holt produced dominating performances to retain their respective senior titles in the Staffordshire Cross Country Championships held on Stafford Common.

The men’s race saw Brecker make his intentions clear from the start as he swept swiftly into the lead in his bid to retain the title for the fifth time in succession.

Such was his powerful opening that he had established a 100m advantage on completion of the first of three laps of the 10k race. Now in total isolation he continued to drive on relentlessly leaving team-mate Dave Sheldon and Jon Morris (Wolverhampton and Bilston AC) to fight for the minor places.

With no easing off Brecker stormed to a brilliant victory in 27 minutes 41 seconds.

He said: “It was just a good hard run and I am pleased with the result as I have been ill with some kind of virus. My next target is to try to retain my Midland title for the fourth time.”

Morris finally won the battle for second place in 28.50 as Sheldon held on for third spot.

Stoke packed six scoring runners in the top 13 places to win the team championship with 38 points over Wolverhampton and Bilston 96.

A lightening start by

Holt saw her clear of the opposition after the opening 600m and from then on it was a race against the clock as she established a lead of 200m on completion of the first of two laps.

Running smoothly and relaxed Holt was in no danger of being caught by the chasing Rebecca Twardochleb (Newcastle AC) as she continued to increase the lead to the finish taking the title in 18.37.

Twardochleb held on to second place in 19.43 ahead of third-placed Giorgia Chattwood (Cannock and Stafford AC).

athe under-20 men’s race brought a comfortable victory for Callum Abberley (Burton AC) with a close team contest seeing Cannock and Stafford on 16 points snatch the title by two points over Newcastle. At under-17 Alexander Mayne (City of Stoke) became champion after a close contest which saw him edge clear of Adam Saul-braddock (Wolverhampton and Bilston) who had the satisfaction of leading his team to the title.

The women’s race saw Ella Semple (Birchfield Harriers) take the title ahead of Eden Schiller (Staffs Moorlands) as Newcastle added another team title.

Gianni Loska produced a fine tactical performance to win the under-15 boys crown.