ABINGDON Amblers’ Simon Fisher made the most of series leader Steve Naylor’s absence to record a convincing victory in the fourth round at Cirencester.

Fisher, who is emigrating to the USA to start a new job, cruised to his first victory in his last ever race in the league, crossing the line in 32mins 02secs.

After working hard to establish a 100m lead, Fisher did enough over the last lap to see off Oxford City’s Darrell Bellinger by 28 seconds to record victory.

Woodstock Harriers’ James Bolton crossed the line in third place, clocking 32.33.

With Naylor competing in the Alsager 5 in Cheshire, it meant Bolton was the leading light for Woodstock in men’s Division 2.

Four other Woodstock runners achieved finishers in the top 100 as they maintained their promotion push.

They now lead the division by more than 300 points, and with Naylor set to return for next month’s final round in Swindon, the title seems in the bag.

Cirencester A clinched the men’s Division 1 victory on their home course, but Newbury lead the way in the standings.

Just behind are Oxford City A, for whom Steve Male led home the team in Gloucestershire.

A strong showing next month could see the team Division 1 crown heading back to Horspath Road.

In the women’s race, Newbury’s Susie Bush was a clear victor.

She clocked 23.48 to win by 51 seconds ahead of Cirencester’s Jane Wassell.

Oxford City’s under 20 ace Melissa Hawtin was third in 24.59, finishing ahead of Headington’s Helen Barnes, who crossed the line in 25.15.

Barnes’s performance help-ed Headington to third place in women’s Division 1.

They go into next month’s final round in the bronze medal position.