Athletics: Ross runs so well in Punta

Ross MATHESON (Lasswade) achieved his target on his debut by finishing second Briton in the World Cross Country Championships under-20 race in Punta, Umbria, Spain.

Though 53rd overall in the fiercely contested, African-dominated event, Matheson showed real character in moving through the field from 68th after the first lap of the 8km race held in 20C plus temperatures. The Queen Margaret student overtook England's Richard Goodman, who had beaten him into third place in the UK Trial in Birmingham earlier this month, and was second only to UK Champion Jonny Hay, who was well clear in 39th.

Scottish champion Derek Hawkins had a torrid debut in the senior race, finishing in 91st place. Best British performance came from injured Scot Steph Twell's Aldershot team-mate Charlotte Purdue, who was 14th in her senior women's debut.