CITY of Salisbury road runners, holders of the coveted Hampshire road race league men's team title since the end of last season, now have a swift quartet from Stubbington standing between them and a repeat of the league leadership.

Just seven fixtures remain in the 2013/14 competition and the size of Stubbington's lead means they can yet be caught. But Lordshill too are still in with a chance of taking the title ahead of Salisbury.

“The road league is fiercely contested by 29 clubs from across the south and our Salisbury club is determined to fight for every place in the remaining races which range from 10k to 10miles,” said road manager Rod Smith.

“But some outstanding running will be needed from our top names if we're going to retain the championship overall.”

At the turn of the year Stuart Holloway is the club's highest placed athlete in 10th spot, with Chris Southern 14th, Tom Cummings 16th and Eliot Haimes 18th completing the team. Ben and Mike Brewster in 21st and 32nd respectively are providing vital back-up for the top four.

In the Ladies A division, where City of Salisbury finished a superb second behind a strong Winchester team last year, the club again holds a well-earned second place.

Katie West is top scorer in 12th spot, with Nicky Yevko 16th and Faye Parker 18th making up the team of three, with Sally Greenslade 35th and Ruth Thom 43rd overall in reserve.

Next race in the series is on the fast flat roads of the Stubbington 10k alongside the Solent on January 19th when Salisbury's top runners in a 25 strong squad will be flat out to get the better of the promoting club.

· Checkout the men's and ladies' A league tables on the results and fixtures page.