WESTERN Athletics’ winter series campaign received a boost last week with news that three of its members would be contesting the 2007 Australian Cross Country Championships in Perth come September.

Under 14 competitors Amy Cashin and Morgan Mitchell both made the cut representing Werribee Secondary College at the Bundoora selection trials earlier this month.

Mitchell blitzed the muddy 3km course in 10.43 minutes to finish sixth, while Cashin crossed the line three seconds later at ninth place.

Open age competitor Narelle Bardsley started off her 12km stretch in flying fashion before a persistent foot injury saw her pull out.

Athletics Victoria gave Bardsley the nod thanks to her consistent form throughout the winter season.

She is currently receiving cortisone treatment in lieu of further competition.

The meet came off the back of the equally successful 32.9km Coliban Ekiden Relay, with the team picking up five placings.

The men’s Division Six team cemented its top ladder standing with an impressive second placing, despite a bad changeover between first and second-leg runners David Tranter and Brad Hoare.

A concerted 6.5km first leg by Division Four teen Aimee Lane set up team-mates Tallisa Jansen, Allison Gatt and Clare Burton, while Roz Clay cruised home in the final changeover (5.1km) to claim second place.

Stiff competition plagued the women’s Division Two team, which battled it out over the entire course to cross the line third, while the Division Three men and women also finished in third place.

Western Athletics will head to Sandown Racecourse this weekend to contest the Victorian Road Relay Championships.