THREE rising stars of Welsh athletics represented their country in the Schools International Athletic Board (SIAB) Cross Country in Dublin last weekend.

Newtown High School duo Oliver Jones and Aled Breeze were joined in the Welsh line-up by Welshpool’s Callum Morgan with all three in junior boy’s race action.

Jones ended 20th in a time of 13:42 while Breeze crossed the line in 26th spot in 13:59, just ahead of Morgan in 27th 14:10.

The performances once again underlined the calibre of athletes being produced in Powys with all three members of the thriving Maldwyn Harriers Athletics Club in Newtown.

The club already includes Welsh champions Adele Nicoll, Sian Swanson, Lauren Williams and Andy Davies among their quality stable and the emergence of the trio of schoolboy internationals further underlines the importance of Sport Powys which faces drastic funding cuts from Powys County Council.

Dave Peters of Maldwyn Harriers AC said: “The club is extremely proud to have had three boys competing for Wales. Their selection was well deserved due to the commitment and hard work they have put in over the past couple of years.

“They are extremely talented and good friends, encouraging each other both in training and competition. The boys are a credit to the club, schools and their coaches Martin Copus and Hefin Rowlands who have helped them to achieve their potential.

“They have had an outstanding season and they look forward to more success on the track this summer while Ollie and Callum represent Wales at the London Mini Marathon event.”