A MAGNIFICENT display from UK steeplechase star Hatti Dean secured the senior women's title at the SEAA Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill Fields in London.

Dean, the former Radley athlete, romped to victory over the 6.5km course by a convincing margin of 23 seconds, helping her Oxfordshire team to fourth place - their best position in the championship for several years.

She was in imperious form, using all her experience to hold off the challenge of Middlesex's Svenja Abel.

With White Horse Harrier Frances Briscoe finishing fifth just 20 seconds further behind, it was a fine all-round team performance.

Lorna King, from Radley, ran a brave race to finish in 27th place, having injured an ankle prior to the start.

She was followed home by Witney Roadrunners veteran Nicola Gomm, who crossed the line in 32nd place.

For the first time in many years, Oxfordshire were represented in all six junior age groups, giving athletes the chance of competition at a higher level than county matches.

Oxford City sisters Beth and Bea Swords recorded outstanding runs, coming home seventh in the under 13 and under 15 girls' races respectively.

Banbury Harriers' Connie McMillan finished a creditable 13th in the under 13 girls' race, while Alistair Duff (Radley) achieved a top-20 finish in the under 13 boys' race.

Robert Bowles (White Horse Harriers) was first Oxfordshire under 17 man over the line in 21st, followed home by Abingdon Amblers' Steve Copley as Oxon finished a somewhat disappointing tenth in this age group.

Witney Roadrunner George Reynolds finished 49th over a gruelling 4,200m course in the under 15 boys race.

RESULTS (Times unavailable) Under 13 girls: 7 B Swords, 13 C McMillan, 51 B Murphy, 66 J Anstice.

Under 13 boys: 18 A Duff, 41 N Bridle, 45 E O'Hara, 60 S Jones.

Under 15 girls: 7 B Swords, 48 R Rust, 49 T Morgan, 62 R Jackson.

Under 15 boys: 22 P Manning, 36 G Miller, 37 A Simpson, 49 G Reynolds.

Under 17 men: 21 R Bowles, 34 S Copley, 38 R Glastonbury, 56 F Slemeck.

Under 17 women: incomplete team.

Under 23 men: incomplete team.

Senior women: 1 H Dean, 5 F Briscoe, 27 L King, 32 N Gomm.