JACKIE Rockliffe is celebrating her first international medal after finishing third at the British & Irish Masters Cross Country International in Swansea.

The Avon Valley Runners’ member, from Trowbridge, finished third in the O45 age group, one place better than on her England debut in the same event two years ago.

“I was so pleased to win a bronze medal on my second appearance, especially as next year I’ll be moving up into the O50 age group,” said Rockliffe.

“I did not have a brilliant start to the race, which was held over three 2k laps in Swansea, but I didn’t panic and gradually picked off the ladies in front of me.

“But when I finished, I had no idea I was third, so it was great when that was confirmed.”

In addition, 48-year-old Rockliffe added a team gold as England enjoyed a clean sweep of the individual places.

  • SIMON Nott recorded another personal best as he finished runner-up in the Sutton Benger 5-miles road race on Sunday.

Just weeks after breaking 31 minutes for the first time with 30mins 57secs in the Gloucester 10k, Nott dipped under 25 minutes, with 24:57 after an exciting battle with Bristol & West AC’s Jack Bancroft, who smashed the course record as he sprinted to victory in 24:54.

Nott said: “I am delighted to go sub-25 minutes so soon after breaking 31 minutes for the first time as well.

“Jack and I were level with 400m to go, but then he edged clear of me. But it was great to have him there as we pushed each other all the way around the course and that definitely helped us.”

The pair finished two-and-a-half minutes clear of the field so it was for all intents and purposes a private duel.

  • THERE was a strong Wiltshire turnout for the Chilly 10k around the Castle Combe motor racing circuit as the event incorporated the final race in the Wiltshire Road Race League.

Subject to ratification, Mike Towler, of Avon Valley Runners, wrapped up the overall men’s title with a handsome victory in a time of 32mins 21secs, from Cirencester’s David Bell (32:45) and fellow AVR runner Ed Knudsen (32:54), who was one of his closest rivals in the league.