WHITE Horse Harrier Paul Jegou held off the challenge of James Bolton to win the Hooky Christmas Canter and end the year on a high.

Jegou took the lead once the 12k multi-terrain race went off-road and finished 15 seconds clear of defending champion and course record-holder Bolton (Woodstock Harriers).

The White Horse man clocked 42mins 39secs in slippery underfoot conditions, with Bolton recording 42.54.

Oxfordshire fireman Gary Crone (unnattached) was third home in 43.13, with fellow vet 40 Steve Mead fourth in 43.30.

Woodstock athletes made up three of the top six, with Dave Cantwell, another vet 40, fifth in 43.42 and teenager Dan Moseley sixth in 43.48.

Alchester’s Samantha Usher was the first woman home, crossing the line in 18th place.

Usher, the Oxford Road Race Grand Prix champion, clocked 48.51, with Banbury Harrier Michelle Bartlett second in 50.17.

Bartlett’s clubmate Rebecca Biegel was third lady home in 55.40.

Peter Hart (Cherwell) may have been the last runner home in 1.50.18, but he was a popular winner of the vet 70 prize on his return after a long lay-off.

OTHER RESULTS

(senior men unless stated)

Kidlington: 17 J Finnigan 48.34, 25 M Pink 50.47, 41 W Bunce (3rd V60) 55.03, 47 C Brading (V40) 55.46, 55 A Finnigan (3rd LV35) 57.19, 67 M Search (V60) 59.26, 115 L Brading (SL) 1.24.09, 116 K Brading (LV35) 1.24.12.

Oxford City: 109 L Sammons (SL) 1.13.38.

Woodstock H: M Ineson 46.10, J Stewart (V40) 48.53, M Pidgeon (V50) 51.42, M Shipway (V60) 57.22, J Webb (SL) 1.02.29, S Dawson (LV35) 1.02.29, S Cantwell (LV35) 1.02.29, K Adams 1.02.44.