Athletics: Despite fielding a weakened team through injury and illness, Bingley's men's team still pushed rival neighbours Pudsey and Bramley all the way in the 50-mile off-road Calderdale Way.

However, with the finish line beckoning and less than a mile to run, Pudsey's final pair took a wrong turn and subsequently lost the lead, allowing Clayton-le-Moors to steal home for the title.

Ex-England international Bill Padgett was a surprise inclusion in the Harriers line-up and partnered Jason Feeney on the opening beg before handing over to Matt Whitfield and Colin Moore, who was also an 11th hour replacement.

Paul Whelan and Chris Bartle took on the ascent out of Todmorden to hand over to Ian Homes and Rob Jebb.

This leg proved the decider as Bingley's top fellsmen produced the fastest time of the day, but failed to claw back Pudsey and Bramley's advantage.

Gary Devine and Shane Green moved the Leeds club into the lead on this key stage, and established what should have been the cushion for an outright win.

Bingley, now second only a minute behind, faded to fourth, despite the tenacious efforts of flu victim Dave Horsfall and the unfortunate Robin Lawrence, who became unwell as he partnered Martin Peace on the sixth and last stage.

It was a catalogue of misfortune for Bingley, while Pudsey and Bramley were left to rue what might have been.

The Bradford and Halifax Cross-Country Championship was taken by Bingley's new recruit John Convery.

The Horsforth-based roofer is not yet eligible to represent his new club, and took the individual title ahead of Holmfirth's Dave Watson and Billy Legg, who led their club to a team title.

Carol Greenwood of Bingley powered round to take the women's title, beating closest rival Andrea Dennison (Bradford Airedale) by almost two minutes .

Diane Waite of Holmfirth was a further two minutes adrift in third, but had the satisfaction of leading the Pennine club to another team win.

Bradford Grammer School students Ben Ross and Nick Howard provided a 1-2 in the under-13 boys race, with Bingley's John Clegg in third.

Bingley's Oliver Brewer more than justified his inclusion in the England Under-16 Boys Pentathlon team in the Home Internationals at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow.

He was an age group winner in the 800 metres, in setting an indoor personal best of 2min 10.58sec in finishing 11th overall.

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