ONE of City of Salisbury's youngest competitors in the Hampshire cross country league on Saturday excelled herself to take the winning honours on the tough Goodwood course near Chichester.

Defying strong winds and wet ground, Abigail Burn produced an outstanding 11min 57sec run in the under-13s' event to come first in the 3k by nine seconds and lead the club team to a superb second place overall, just behind Southampton, who were among the participating 40 clubs.

She was well backed up by Isobel Horsfield in eighth place, Louise Webb 19th, Rose Warren 34th, Coco Smyth 48th, Iso Norris 58th, Kate Hopper 65th and Jess Rusby 68th.

For the boys, in the same age group, Oliver Liston was first home in 38th, Oliver Phillips 48th, Phillipe Riches 55th, Will Corfield 67th, Josh Sharps 68th, and Ben Hopper 71st.

Among the 4k under-15s', consistent Maise Grant improved her previous performance with a good 21st and Rebecca Service was 41st. The boys' race saw Sam Coles put in another brilliant run in 18th with Ben Saunby 37th and Fabrice Webb 38th. Among the under-17s, Ella-May Hards was 24th and Jay Domoney 19th.

Alex Mundell made a welcome return to the 6k senior ladies' team and led them home from 17th place. Three athletes' mums gamely made their debuts for the club with Sarah Warren a fine 83rd, Jill Coles 121st and Viv Grant 141st. Sue Hazzard put up a creditable 144th in her return to cross country competition following her serious cycling accident more than a year ago.

In the 10k men's race, Ben Brewster went up the rankings after taking 22nd spot; Gary Domoney was 215th and Martin Phillips 231st.