FOR Fairford runner Dave Bell and his Cirencester AC team-mates, it was mission accomplished at the 33rd Stroud Half Marathon.

The squad had lined up with high hopes for the event on Sunday, but Bell was well aware that it would take a mighty effort to defeat host club Stroud & District AC and a potentially big threat from Cheltenham & County Harriers.

But, on the day, Bell and co swept aside all challengers as they packed their leading four men inside the top 16 for a points score of 43 that earned Cirencester the team title.

“To win the team title was great news,” said Bell, who is head of biology at Cirencester College.

“Cirencester is not a massive club so it is nice to come out to a race like Stroud, which we have always supported and beat some strong clubs.”

As expected Bell led the way as he finished fourth, which represents his best ever position in the race, with support from Bill Leggate in 10th, Steve Yates 13th and Simon Campbell 15th.

Chris Illman was forced to drop out with a hamstring injury having completed just one mile.

Yates, in particular, really impressed as he smashed his personal best with a time of 79 minutes and nine seconds, carving a minute and 21 seconds from the time he ran over the same course last year.

“That was a good PB for Steve and both Bill and Simon were pleased with their runs,” added Bell.

“I didn’t run as well as I wanted because I came down with a bad cold towards the end of the week and the day before the race wasn’t even sure I would bother racing.

“But I decided to go along for the team and while it felt tougher than expected overall I was pleased with the outcome.”