LEIGH'S top international athlete Peter Riley led the Northern team to victory in a 10k road race at the weekend.

Fresh from warm weather training in South Africa, Peter, in his first senior race as a Leigh Harrier, finished a clear winner in the Inter-Area Eastleigh event.

But Peter, 24, was denied the chance of a fast time in his preparation for the European 10k challenge in Slovenia on Sunday, by a course battered with high winds.

He covered the first kilometre in 2min 47sec then made his break before the only hill on the course at the 3k mark, reaching the half way point in 14min 41sec.

Turning into the wind he was never headed and finished clear in 29min 40sec -- a top time considering the conditions.

The Wigan primary schools' squad, made up of girls from Leigh and Wigan Harriers, were crowned county champions at Bury on Saturday.

Competing against 10 borough teams from Greater Manchester over a tough 2k course, and with well over 100 year 5 and 6 girls in the field, the 18-strong Wigan side were lead in by Layra Riches of Garrett Hall who ran an outstanding race to finish just outside the medals in fourth.

Behind her the green vests of Wigan poured across the line with Abigail Howarth (St Thomas', Ashton) 6th, Shannon Johnson (St Joseph's) 8th, Beck Pearson (Newfolds) 9th, Emily Prior (Golborne) 9th, and Joy Orrell (St Peter's) 43rd the team counters.

The 18 boys representing the borough put on a good show but just missed out on team medals after finishing in fourth.

Lloyd Hughes (Mabs Cross) ran well for 6th and was followed home by Richard Powell (St Peter's) 23rd, Jordan Kay (St Phillip's) 25th, Jack Hindley (St Phillip's) 26th, Cameron Adamson (Leigh CE) 27th and Adam Mapson (Mabs Cross) 41st to complete a great day for Wigan schools.