Oxford Mail Cross Country League

Steve Frear emerged victorious in stormy conditions to take the senior men’s honours in the opening round of the 2009-10 season at Ascott-under-Wychwood.

Although the rain had eased from the atrocious early-morning monsoon, the blustery winds made the course exceptionally tough for the several hundred runners that assembled at Crown Farm.

But Frear, from Woodstock Harriers, made light of this to record an impressive 31mins 17secs in a convincing victory.

Oxford City’s Darrell Bellenger was second in 31.37, while teammate Steve Male (V40) crossed the line third in 32.02.

With Aaron Burgess ninth in 33.06, and City’s remaining four runners all finishing in the top 60, it meant a comfortable victory in the team competition.

With reigning champion Steve Kimber yet to rejoin Headington Roadrunners, it looks like there will be a new name on the men’s trophy this season for the first time in five years.

Kimber will need to compete in all four remaining rounds to stand a chance of defending his title for a fourth successive season.

Headington Roadrunners’ Helen Barnes took the honours in the women’s race.

She saw off Team Kennet’s Rachel Elliott by 13 seconds, crossing the line in 25.47.

Barnes, Ros Kelling and Adrienne Hopkins combined to take the women’s team prize.

Kelling, finishing third, secured the vet 45 ladies’ honours in 26.31, while vet 35 Hopkins (28.26) finished 16th.

In the junior events, Oxford City came to the fore.

Harry Robertson won the combined under 15/17 boys’ race in 17.51.

He beat Radley’s George Miller, with Witney Roadrunner Josh Ridley finishing third.

Lauren Hawtin and Jade Walker posted a one-two in the under 15/17 girls’ event.

Hawtin (under 15) clocked 13.51, finishing ten seconds ahead of Walker.

With Rebecca Byren crossing the line fourth in 14.25, it took City to a comprehensive team victory.

Beth Hawtin continued where she left off last season with an exciting victory in the under 13 girls’ race.

But she did not have it all her own way as she was pushed hard by newcomer Amy Cooper, from Marlborough.

Hawtin clocked 7.28 to edge home by just one second.

Christian von Eitzen (Rad-ley) won the under 13 boys’ race in convincing style.

He finished 43 seconds clear of the field in 6.42, with Team Kennet’s Tom Uden second.

Radley’s youngest athletes shone in the under 11 mini-minors.

Robert Calkin won boys’ race in 3.34, while clubmate Nawal Elkirate clocked 3.55 to seal the girls’ crown.