Oxford City’s veterans bagged two silver medals in the British Masters Athletic Federation (BMAF) Road Relays at Sutton Park, near Birmingham.

City finished second in both the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups after excelling over the hilly three-mile course.

Rob Webster got Oxford off to a great start in ther 45-54 category, clocking 16mins 20secs for the opening leg to leave City in sixth.

Solid runs from Carl Thompson, (17.30) Brian Green (17.11) and Heine van Zyl (17.35) kept City well up, coming in fourth, third and fourth respectively.

By this time the leaders, Leicester Corinthians were well ahead by a over minute and a half and looked easy winners until the Oxford charge started.

Steve Overton (16.07) took 49 seconds out of their lead and brought City up to second.

Steve Male then took off with a vengeance on the final leg, but in spite of running the second fastest lap of the day in his age group – 15.42 – the Leicester team were just too strong to catch and held on to a half minute lead.

In the M55-64 event, Dave Parsons (17.57) brought City home third after leg one, which Roy Treadwell (18.08) ret-ained on leg two.

Stewart Thorp (17.55) took Oxford into second place, although leaders Salford were well in front.

Richard Grant (17.36) ensured City claimed silver, 1min 23secs ahead of South London Harriers.

Injuries meant Oxford could not field a full team in the 65+ event, but Mick Welland (19.46 – third) and Clive Rutland (22.24) ran legs one and two.