MARLING senior cross-country team successfully retained the National relay in Coventry.

Luke Browning got the ball rolling for Marling to produced a solid performance to finish his leg in eighth in a time of 12minutes 45seconds.

Meanwhile, Ander Russell ran one of his best races this season to hit the front of the race and give Marling a clear lead. His time of 11mins 31secs was the second fastest of the day.

Newcomer George Withey ran the third leg and, with a lead already established, he strode around the course looking as relaxed as ever in a time of 12mins 38 secs.

Marling's star youngster Matt Withey stretched the lead to nearly two minutes over their nearest rival on leg four, recording the third fastest time of the day of 11mins 42secs in the process.

Matt passed on to another Marling youngster, Andrew Kaighin, who was a late call up to replace the injured Iain Whitfield.

Andrew did well to hold the lead in a time of 13mins18secs, before passing on to Ash Rymer on the last leg.

Rymer ran the fifth fastest leg of the day in 11mins 54secs, giving Marling an overall time of 73mins 48secs, 1min42secs ahead of second placed Bradford Grammar School.

THE team would like to thank Jeff Gillet once again for the time and enthusiasm he has given to the team .