THE first 53-12 cross country league fixture took place on Sunday at Notley Country Park and saw 39 Springfield Striders and six junior members take part.

The juniors set the standard with Lawrence Martin, Bryce Bannister and Oylan Robins the first three home in the U11 boys’ category. Martin Grecoy, Taylor Gooding and Oliver Hitching also ran well in this age category.

Nikki Brockbank, in her last race before a work assignment in China, finished third in the ladies’ race ahead of Polly Bridgman and Vic Curren as the ladies came an excellent third overall.

Gavin Allen, James Smith and Paul Anderson were the first three Striders’ men home as they secured third team spot behind a very strong Ipswich team with Colchester Harriers in second place.

Tristan Windley finished fifth at the Essex League fixture at Hockley on Saturday.

On the roads Sheila Macaulay created a new club V65 record of 54.25 at the Billericay 10k.

Emily Smith was first V35 and third overall ,while the men’s team of Andrew Wright, Chris Pearce, Darren Sutton and Rob Mills took the men’s team prize.

Paul Jeggo was first V50 at the Grin and Bear It 16-mile race in the Peak District. He was an impressive 12th overall after a spell out injured.

Mark Newton and James Wright completed the New York Marathon and Paul Bridges completed marathon number 101.

This weekend the Striders will be in action at the Essex 10-mile championships at Stebbing and host the 20th Hobble trail race from Galleywood Common.