CONISTON runner Gemma Phillips, who is now studying in Birmingham, posted a top-10 finish at the 6k event at the National Reebok Cross Country Challenge Series.

Gemma finished ninth and it was her highest-ever national placing and came over a flat and fast course which did not really suit her style in Cardiff.

Gemma, a member of Kendal AC and a former pupil at John Ruskin School, has stepped up to tackle senior races this year, including running for an International Select team in Bahrain, whom she helped to a relay victory.

But now she reverts to junior status for the Northern Cross Country Championships at Blackburn - her final chance to take the title after finishing runner-up twice.