The South of the Thames junior five miles cross country race over South London Harriers' tough Farthing Downs course saw several Croydon runners put in good performances.

The race is junior by standard, not age, and has barring clauses for high placings in previous races.

Striders of Croydon proved to be one of the best local cross country teams. Eric Parker lead the way in for the Striders finishing in 56th place overall.

To celebrate becoming a veteran, Gerry Crispie was next home in 71st position. The A team scoring was completed by John Kirby (86th) and Pete Yarlett (89th) in a typically close contest. As usual Striders packed well and the B team of Nigel Davidson (92nd), Chris Morton (99th), Dave Lovell (103rd) and Colin Cotton (107th) finished within seconds of each other.

In the women's race Jane Hobden again performed well, finishing 20th in a strong field.

Croydon Harriers were represented by seven of their most enthusiastic members.

In a field where more than 160 finished, the first Harrier home was 40th-placed Ian Wright in 32 minutes 10 seconds.

Ian travelled from Pinner in Middlesex for the race and Robert Langridge, coming up from Folkestone to give support, was pleased with his time of 35:37 for 94th spot.

Veteran M45's Norman Hemming and Keith Brown resumed their battle for places and this time it was Norman's day when he took 106th in 36:31 to Keith's 36:35 for 108th to complete the scoring four for Croydon.

Their points total of 348 placed them 20th in the team's event.

Non-scoring support came from Gary Lomas( 125th, 38:23), Mike Caudwell (155th, 46:43) and Ken Crooke (160th, 50:51).

November 14, 2001 16:00