SPECTRUM Striders women’s team confirmed a series win when they finished first in the latest leg of the North West Cross Country League at Arrowe Park in Wirral.

They have an unassailable lead of eight points on nearest rivals Liverpool Running Club going into the last meeting.

A combined team from Lymm Runners, Warrington Road Runners and Helsby placed fourth, making them fifth in the league, and a team from Warrington Running Club placed 11th but are eighth overall.

Best local women in a field of 106 finishers were Claire Andrew (Spectrum) fifth, Jude Peck (Spectrum) seventh, Alison Russell (Spectrum) eighth, Bobbie Lomax (Warrington Road Runners) 24th, Jenny Lamont (Spectrum) 35th, Louise Dempster (Spectrum) 36th, Jane Lowe (Spectrum) 38th and Germaine Holmes (Lymm Runners) 39th.

Spectrum’s Karl Steinegger was second of 222 finishers in the men’s race.

His consistency has ensured a top-five finish in each of the races so far.

He led the team into fourth position, which is also their overall standing.

The combined team got close with fifth but sixth overall, while Warrington Running Club took 13th place but are 11th overall.

Other top local finishers were Rob Muir (Spectrum) 16th, Jonathan Smith (Lymm Runners) 17th, Chris Millington (Spectrum) 23rd, Kye Byrne (Warrington RC) 30th and Daniel Peers (Spectrum) 35th.

The final leg of the series will be hosted by Spectrum Striders at Birchwood Forest Park on Sunday, February 21.