BANBURY'S Simon Pritchard was denied victory in his home town's 15-mile race by Aldershot runner and defending champion Paul Harwood.

Pritchard clocked a fast 1.23.02 but lost out to Harwood by 13 seconds. Third place went to Vincent Clisham (1.26.48) from Coventry Godiva.

Banbury Harriers were not to be denied in the team event and took gold. Pritchard was backed up by Peter George (13th), Phillip Coy (19) and Phillip Vincent (22).

Cherwell were second and the Oxford City team of Dave Hartwell (8), David Wheeler (9), Melvyn Kilcoyne (15) and Paul Grimsdale (79) came in third.

Jane Toohey, from Wootton Roadrunners, won the senior women's race in 1.54.30, ahead of Ruth Allen (1.56.59) and Jo Choulerton (1.59.19).

But the V35 women took the top three ladies positions. Geraldine Ward won it in 1.47.34 and Kim Shaw (Cherwell) was second in 1.50.56. The Headington team of Janet Meredith, Jo Choulerton and Sophie Morgan came first ahead of Hook Norton and Cherwell.

OTHER BANBURY RESULTS

Woodstock: B Vaughan (V45) 1.27.50, M Shipway (V55) 1.45.33, J Christopher (V40) 1.51.46, J Hill (V40) 2.00.02.

Headington: K Newbold 1.47.34, B Green 1.47.45, B Smith 1.54.5, B Cox 1.54.6, J Meredith 1.59.36 (pb), J Choulerton 1.59.36, S Cowles 2.07, S Morgan 2.07.30, J Campbell 2.09.08, R Buswell 2.10.42.

Abingdon Amblers: 49 A Garner 1.44.36, C Hunt 1.59.48.

Kidlington men: R Treadwell 1.44.55, A Caine 1.46.45, P Kyberd 47.15, T Langrish 1.51.37, S Caswell 1.54.37, P Jennings 1.57.01, G Norris 2.00.51, J Warnock 2.02.

Ladies: R Allen 1.57.01.

White Horse: H Grundy 1.52

Story date: Wednesday 22 March

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