Headington Roadrunner Allison Hirst led home the Oxfordshire contingent in the women's race at the English Cross Country Championships in Leeds on Saturday.

Hirst finished in 34th place, crossing the line in 35mins 23secs.

In the men's race, Kevin Murphy was first Oxon athlete across the line, finishing 66th in 44.51.

In the junior events, Oxford City's Hannah England took pride of place, finishing a creditable ninth in 20.36, while White Horse Harrier Tom Penford edged out Witney Roadrunners' Mathew Ashton for local supremacy in the junior men's race.

Penfold finished 12th in 32.28, with Ashton crossing the line in 19th in 32.53.

Oxford City's Darrell Bellinger was 60th in 35.14.

OTHER RESULTS

Senior women

Headington RR: 104 L Smith 37.58, 332 Fischer 46.24.

Senior men

Headington RR: 142 P Haarer 46.44, 288 G Harris 49.26, 477 D Gavaghan 51.56, 480 J Griffiths 51.57, 716 L Hurman 55.38, 741 I Meadowcroft 55.57, 1093 W Atkinson 1.02.04.

In the final round of the Chiltern Cross Country League season at Wing last week, Allison Hirst secured the overall women's title, finishing second on the day - just 40 metres behind Olympic marathon hopeful Michelle Lee.

The race also saw Hirst take the Vet 35 title, well ahead of her nearest rivals.

The senior race saw the welcome return of Jude Craft to competition.

In her first race of the season, she finished a creditable sixth place.

The next committee meeting of the Oxfordshire AA is being held this Friday at the Witney ATP, off Station Lane (7.30pm).