Alex Gibbins won his first ever Blackheath & Bromley Club 5 mile Cross Country title on a sunny afternoon at Hayes. The 32 year old won with some ease timing 28.54 for the over distance course and so now holds one of the oldest Athletics trophies in the world. The race was first contested in 1880.

Junior Alex Bruce Littlewood travelled up from Portsmouth University to finish in second place in 30.15 while Portsmouth graduate Steve Cooper travelled over from Manningtree where he now lives to pick up the bronze medal with a time of 31.13.

Jane Bradshaw continues to improve and she finished in 13th place overall out of 58 starters. She won the womens' race in 35.03 with promising newcomer Julie Reynolds second in 36.21. Third place went to one of the youngest competitors in the field Amber Reed. The 13 year old was 27th overall in 39.39.

Alex Bruce Littlewood was first junior Man and Amber the first woman, with Rebecca Smith second and Jessica Jones in third place.

The fixture also incorporated the second race of the Bennett Cup series, a 9 event handicap competition that takes place throughout the Winter. Winner here was Melody Kane with Amber Reed in second and Tony Pontifex third.

After two events in the series Bob Minting leads with 101 points from Tony Pontifex who is second on 96 and three athletes (Andy Lawes, David Carton and Iain Swatton) level in third on 94 points. There is everything to play for. The next race in the series in the Club 10 mile cross country on the 30th of November.

Full results and pictures can be found on the Club website at www.bandbhac.org.uk