Team Bath AC runners took centre stage at the South West Schools' Cross-Country Championships winning three of the eight gold medals available.

Alex Carter, Loren Bleaken and Rob Howorth all raced to superb victories over the Exeter Arena course – a reflection not just of their talent and dedication but also a tribute to their coach, Adrian Clover.

Alex Stainthorpe's silver in the senior girls' section and two bronze medals for Alex Hill and John Howorth in the senior and minor boys' respectively completed a very good day for Clover's group.

Carter, who recently celebrated his 16th birthday, was in unstoppable form in the inter boys' race as he took charge early on and never really had to move into top gear as he added this title to his junior success of two years ago.

"The course was tough but I didn't have to push it too hard really and felt pretty comfortable," said the reigning county champion.

Likewise, Bleaken was a class apart in the inter girls' race as the 16-year-old avenged her defeat at the hands of Cornwall's Issy Steele last year.

"I was really looking to win it this time and I went off hard from the start and just kept on going," said Bleaken.

Nobody could live with Bleaken's pace and she finished 14 seconds clear of Steele for an amazing fourth South West Schools' crown, having lifted the junior title in 2010 and 2009 and the minor prize in 2008.

Bleaken followed up her success by winning the under-20 women's 400m race at the Birmingham Indoor Games on Sunday, clocking 56.13secs.

Rob Howorth, meanwhile, marked his debut in the event with a thrilling victory as he out-sprinted Devon's Billy Craske in the closing stages.

"I was not expecting to win and went there hoping for a top-three finish," said the 11-year-old. "With 200 metres to go I thought I could win it as there was just me and the other lad, so I just sprinted."

Twin brother John was also delighted with his bronze in the same race.

Stainthorpe has made terrific progress this winter and the 18-year-old's silver in the senior girls' race was her best result in the event. She can now look forward to leading the Wiltshire team at the English Schools' Championships next month.

Hill found himself in a very competitive senior boys' race and did well to beat newly-crowned Midland Counties champion Will Paulson of Gloucestershire to make it on to the podium.

Rory Howorth completed a clean sweep of the under-11 boys' races in the Gloucestershire Cross Country League with victory in the fourth and final race of the series to wrap up the overall prize.