Arnold's close to family double

CRAIG Hughes has won the Neath Valley Triathlon.

Hughes crossed the line in an impressive time of 54 minutes and 56 seconds.

Ian Morgan followed him home in 56.09 and Andrew Edwards took third in 58.58.

The winner of the women's race was Jayne Arnold of Celtic Tri in 1.02.23.

Jayne Scheiss took second in 1.05.26 and Yvonne Brindley held out for third in 1.09.18.

It was almost a double celebration in the Arnold household with Jayne's husband, former Welsh international lock Paul, missing out on third place by just eight seconds.

He was chased all the way by Leighton Williams and Christopher Price, both from Seven Sisters and also Celtic Tri members.

Based at Vale of Neath Leisure Centre, almost 90 competitors took on the challenge of a 400m swim followed by a 22k cycle to Aberdulais and a 3k run.

Athletes travelled from as far as Hampshire to take part in the race which also had good representation from Rhondda Triathlon Club, Pembroke- shire Triathlon Club and South Wales Police.

Race organiser Adrian Hughes said: "I feel very proud to be associated with such a successful event and to be a member of such a well-organised and professional club."

The race was refereed by Karen Burrows of Swansea.