Springfield Striders hosted Day One of the Essex Cross Country Championships at Writtle University College on Saturday.

There were races for U13 and U15 boys and girls, followed by races for the veterans. Woodford Green won both boys’ events, with Chelmsford taking the team prize in the U13 girls and Basildon gold in the U15 event.

The first vet race saw Striders’ Liz Davies lead from start to finish in the five mile course, beating all the men in a very strong field of over-50s. With back-up from Sam Bilbie and Polly Bridgman, the Striders won team silver. Two Striders also struck gold with fine runs. Rebecca Pittman won the V55 title and Lyn Tanner the V65.

The men - Paul Dobson, Ian Cardy, Paul Broome and Chris Purse - matched the ladies with team silver.

For more information visit springfieldstriders.org.uk.