CHIPPENHAM’S Maxwell twins, Harry and Joshua, dominated the U13s boys’ race in the latest Gloucestershire Cross Country League fixture, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

Harry followed up his recent win in the Tri-Counties Championships, where he was crowned Wiltshire champion, with a runaway triumph as the 13-year-old finished 33 seconds clear of the field.

Brother Joshua couldn’t match that but also showed terrific form to make the podium in third place, with clubmate Josh Newton fifth.

Team Bath also ran away with the team title from Cheltenham & County Harriers.

Proud dad Chris Maxwell said: “They love running cross country particularly if it is muddy, so they are thrilled."

The twins, who are students at Sheldon School, are also members of Chippenham Tri Stars Triathlon Club plus Corsham Swimming Club, so are very sporty kids.

Likewise, younger sister Sophie is also a natural talent and the nine-year-old finished fifth in the U11s age group.

Dad Chris added: “There is no pressure on them and they just love running and all sports."

Ellery Cole, who is also based in Chippenham, finished runner-up in the U20s men’s age group.

That race was incorporated into the senior men’s event, which saw a solid performance from Marshfield’s Themis Bower.

At the first meeting in October, Bower placed 21st, but on Saturday, he improved to 11th with his best run of the winter so far.

But Team Bath again had to settle for third pace in the team competition as Cheltenham & County Harriers, packing their leading six runners in the top 15, dominated.

Team Bath men’s coach Paul King said: “We had a good turnout and some fine individual performances but could not pip the University guys again and Cheltenham have such strength in depth.

“But it was all good fun.”

Corsham’s Mike Dooley ran strongly to finish 42nd overall and top V50.