SUNDAY was the date for the penultimate race in Suffolk Cross-Country series. The hardy cross-country runners lined up at Framlingham and were overjoyed to see the return of the mud after the heavy rainfall over the last week.

SUNDAY was the date for the penultimate race in Suffolk Cross-Country series at Framlingham and runners were overjoyed to see the return of the mud after the heavy rainfall over the last week.

The Bungay Black Dog ladies outshone the men with Lynn Emmett finishing in 37th overall in a time of 35:22 but crucially second female and first FV40 with the other results pushing the Black Dog Ladies A into third position overall with one race to go.

Chris Chorley was the first male Black Dog to finish just behind Lynn in 39th place with a time of 35:51 (fifth MV45). Robbie James finished in 67th place in 38:49 with Roland Shaw next in 94th in 41:30 and then Bruce Rayner in 109th in 43:26.

Team captain Bobbie Sauerzapf finished in 122nd place in 45:12 and also third FV45 with Neil Thomas snapping at her heels just one second behind in 123rd.

Carol Maycock was next in 126th in a time of 45:42 (fourth FV50) with Christine Muttitt just behind her in a time of 46:28 in 130th (third FV55).

Next in was Colin Whale in a time of 48:09 in 138th place followed by Sally Nicholls in 51:11 in 148th (fifth FV45) with Judy Potter, returning to form after illness, finishing in 149th place in 52:41 (second FV60).

Karen Waters was next in a time of 57:13 in 154th with Katy James, scoring valuable points, finishing in 159th in a time of 61:41 and third FV60).

After five races the combined Black Dog team placings are ninth and 16th with the men's teams in ninth and 16th and the women's teams in third and 12th.

The final race is at Haughley Park on February 1 and Bobbie asks that as many Black Dog runners as possible attend as every finisher scores points for the team.

On Friday evening the running club competes in the Brains of Bungay quiz so please go and support them. The quiz starts at 7.30pm and the running club play first.