Shrewsbury-based athlete Paul Ward marked his England international debut by taking a silver medal in the British and Irish Masters cross country event in Swansea.
And there were also impressive displays from Shrewsbury Athletic Club duo Graham Jones and Anna Bartlett who made the most of having the chance to pull on the Wales vest once again.
Ward, 42, who lives in the Column area, admits he exceeded his own expectations by coming second in the over-35 event, clocking 29.02 for the 8k course as he was pipped to gold by just four seconds by Northern Ireland runner David Morwood.
Ward’s strong display earned him seventh place overall in the race from a field of more than 80 runners and he was third home of the 18-strong England team.
“I did better than I certainly expected,” said Ward. “I expected to finish sixth or seventh out of the England team so to come in third was very pleasing.
“The Irish runner actually went past me with half a mile to go which I was a bit gutted about, but I really enjoyed the event and it was a nice atmosphere.”
Ward added he would love to represent England again having now got a taste for international action.
Meanwhile, Welsh duo Jones, the Shrewsbury AC captain, and clubmate Bartlett could also be pleased with their latest displays for their country.
Bartlett, of Belle Vue, was sixth in the ladies’ over-35 race, clocking 25.29 which made her the first Welsh runner to finish.
And Jones, of Sundorne, was pleased with his display as he came in 18th in the over-50 men’s race in 33.42, the fourth Welsh points scorer, finishing 27th overall.
“It was a pretty tough course, muddy and hilly,” said Jones. “It was a really well run event and the hospitality in Swansea was second to none.”