Wilesmith eases away from challengers
MIKE WILESMITH strengthened his grip on the FNB Winter League cross-country overall title with a convincing win in the six-mile Stonecrusher event at L'Ancresse.
Wilesmith's closest series challenger, Jason James, ran a strong race for third, but lost further points as Dave Emery made a welcome return after a period out with injury to claim second.
Racing over three laps the marathon specialist soon took control and broke clear of a bunch that included James, Emery and Matt Loveridge.
While the positions of the chasers changed as the race progressed Wilesmith's lead was never challenged and he came home with a 200m margin in 34 minutes 23 seconds.
In the race for first woman, and a week prior to their Euro Trials race in Liverpool, Sarah Mercier ran a strong two-lap race and was soon clear of Nat Whitty.
The reigning Island Games 5,000m champion extended her lead to near a minute come the finish, though there is a suspicion that both athletes left something in the tank for this weekend's UK fixture.
Third woman Louise Perrio was a further minute behind Whitty.
The next fixture will be held on 6 December over the Home Farm/Saumarez Park course.
More in today's Guernsey Press.
