AIDAN Daniel is fast emerging as one of Wiltshire’s brightest young runners after another impressive performance at the weekend.

The 21-year-old from Biddestone followed up his recent victory in the Slaughterford nine miles multi terrain race with a solid fifth place in the penultimate Gloucestershire Cross Country League fixture.

That was not only Daniel’s best result in the league, but also a big improvement on his 17th place in the previous league fixture before Christmas.

He also led Team Bath’s team challenge as they finished second behind runaway leader’s Cheltenham & County Harriers to consolidate their own place in third and raise the chance of overhauling Bath University’s students’ squad.

“Aidan is a great prospect and loves the mud and hills as winning the Slaughterford 9 last month will testify,” said Team Bath coach and team manager Paul King.

“He trains well and races even better, particularly if it involves mud. I have great hopes for Aidan going forward.”

Daniel graduated with a sports science degree from Birmingham University last summer and is currently taking a year out while also doing building work to earn some money.

“My current goal is that I hope to break 34 minutes for 10k,” said Daniel.

On his current form and progress that will not be a question of if, but more when as Daniel is clearly a runner on an upward curve.

Behind Daniel, Team Bath packed solidly with captain James Donald 14th, Robert Eaton 17th, Marshfield-based Themis Bower 19th and Joseph Chevalier 20th.

“The senior men did well considering we were a little down on numbers due to the uncertainty of the weather,” said King.

A special mention, also, to Mark Mackintosh who finished 58th overall and top veteran over 55.

In the young athletes’ races there were two podium finished for Team Bath runners. Toby Baker enjoyed his highest position ever claiming third in the under 15 boys’ race having previously placed sixth in the opening fixture.

In the under 13 boys’ race Chippenham-based Harry Maxwell looked on course to make it back-to-back wins after his triumph at Old Down in December.

But, sadly, the youngster was sent off course and not only lost the lead but also fell too far behind to have any chance of reclaiming top spot.