HIGHLIGHTED by the iconic historical Senior Crag race, Kilnsey Sports - almost by tradition - once more proved to be immensely popular.

It is also edging towards a tradition for the Jas Procter Cup for the senior crag race to return to the scenic Lakeland village of Threlkeld - the home of a multiple past winner and World champion, Kenny Stuart, - as that location's, Mark Lamb, the defending Kilnsey champion, - resolutely held on to his title.

–Lamb's latest triumph following a tremendous battle, particularly from a previous winner, namely Cheshire sheep-farmer, Simon Bailey.

After the lead had fluctuated on the ascent, heading into dazzling sunshine, it was the Lakeland man - himself a shepherd - who grabbed the ascendancy at the first skyline flag, and the precarious Kilnsey descent is always a sight to behold.

Lamb though was up to the challenge - albeit his closest adversity too close for comfort. And, following a thrilling downward scrap - he maintained his momentum to storm home, arms aloft in a speedy winning time, 8 minutes 13 seconds.

Bailey (8.22) duly held on for second, and a somewhat surprise contentious third placer was Duncan Birtwistle (8.32) - an engineer for Trent Water, who beat amongst others, - another former champion namely Tynedale forester, Nick Swinburn (8.41), who finished fourth.

There were also some fine efforts in the chasing pack not far behind, including Tom Renshaw (8.53) from Aldershot in fifth, James Bowen (8.55) from Ambleside in sixth, Louis Hudson (8.58), Malham; in seventh, Jack Walton (9.09), Keighley; in eighth, former Off-Road World triathlon champion, Harry Coates (9.14), Coniston Cold; in ninth, and Tom Barrett (9.15), Gargrave, in tenth.

First veteran Over 40 was Gawein Moore (9.45) from Ilkley, top veteran Over 50 was Ian Willis (10.17) from Sutton, and Barlick's John Boothman (12.54) produced a real vintage shift to figure as top Over 60.

Meanwhile, amongst the female challenge, Ilkley's Amelie Lane (9.46) whose grandmother lives close-by the showfield, certainly impressed, as she produced a familiar class-act to take the senior title after performing likewise in the Under 17 event last year.

Also displaying fine fettle, her closest rivals were Sharon Taylor (10.37) from Staveley, and Emma Hopkinson (10.39) from Cowling. This latter duo also finishing as top two Veterans Over 40 respectively. And, next after these came, John O Groats to Lands End cyclist, Victoria Peel (11.03) from Barlick, followed by Bramley's Rachael Pilling (11.51) who completed the Veterans Over 40 podium spots.

The junior crag races also provided plenty of lively entertainment. A clear winner of the Under 17 event was Keighley's Tom Hooper (8.31), at the main expense of Oliver Bailey (8.53) from Macclesfield, Ewen Wilkinson (8.59) from Cononley, and Oliver Oldham (9.27) from Ulverston. And, in the girls it was Millie Jebb (11.03) from Staveley, ahead of Olivia Aldham (11.17) from Glusburn, Izzy Wright (11.29) from Keighley, and Tilly Duffy (11.43) from Rossendale.

Will Pease (10.00) from Barlick won the closest crag battle of the day as he just outsprinted Sam Oldham (10.04) from Ulverston, on the run-in to take the Under 14 title, with Josh Dent (10.19) from Coverdale, taking bronze. And, Isaac Reeday (11.51) from Hetton, - in seventh overall - was first local. Isla Jebb (10.33) from Staveley was a clear cut winner ahead of her stablemate, Emmy Ranner (12.07) and Holly Fitch (12.17) in the same age-group event for girls.

The Under 12 race was won by Furness lad, Noah Cook (6.25), and saw a new record broken in the girls event as County Durham's Poppie Phillipson (6.34) from Birtley also beat all but one of her male counterparts. Meantime, second overall amongst the boys was Charlie Headley (6.45) from Grassington who was also first local boy. And third boy was Thomas Jebb (6.51) from Bingley.

Runner-up to the record breaking Phillipson amongst the girls, was Mia McGoldrick (8.11) from Settle, third girl was Olive Akers (6.26) from Otley, and Scarlett Charnley (11.42) from Litton was first local girl.

There was also plenty to appease the crowd in the ring. And, following some well contested heats, the 100 metres handicap final was won by the multi-talented James Bowen from Ambleside ahead of Nathan Hird from Farnhill, and Bowen's twin brother, Harry, finished third. Also, following a couple of stuttering starts in the previous two years, the innovatory metric mile handicap went well this year. And, in a close-fought finish, the victory spoils finally went to Rohan Brooks from Aldershot, ahead of Simon Shaw from Goosnargh, and Malham's Arthur Peel grabbing third.

As always, the harness racing provided a grand finale to an action-packed sporting programme.

Preceding the principle event, the Open Handicap Final over One and a Quarter Miles, there were eight cracking races, either heats, ratings or maiden races midst which Barlick's former rugby league star, James Haythornthwaite remarkably drove to victory four winners and a second.

However, in the Open final itself, it proved once again to be a case of "Gan on Geordie", albeit a new kid on the blocks namely George Wilson driving the family owned and trained Wye Jonny. Indeed, it was the John Wilson stables first ever winner.

In a predictably contentious final, the Darlington raider took the initiative off the final bend to triumph ahead of American Mistress, owned and trained by Vivien and Vicki Gill from Green Hammerton, York, and driven by Oliver O'Meara. And, Line Up Hanover, from last year's victorious Neil and Jack Foody stable of Bishop Auckland, and driven by John Henry Nicholson finished third.

Phew! What a day, but all terrific entertainment!