Springfield Striders’ ladies were on fine form at the weekend, winning county and area medals at two different off-road events.

The cross-country season got off to its now traditional start with the Essex relays at Hockley where there was a very strong line up across all the categories.

Liz Davies gave the Striders a great start on leg one by clocking 16.00, the second fastest time of the day, to give the club a clear lead from Billericay Striders, Eton Manor, Southend and Colchester.

Colchester international Sarah Stradling pulled back the lead on leg two, but Kate Mills did well to keep the white and yellow vests in second spot before handing over to Sam Bilbie, who regained the lead as the Striders won by 25 seconds.

Colchester were a similar margin ahead of hosts Southend AC, with Chelmsford AC back in fourth spot.

A strong men’s team of Tristan Windley, Alex Manton, James Smith and Chris Burgoyne finished 36 seconds outside the medal places behind Southend AC, Havering AC and Ilford AC, but ahead of Basildon AC, Orion Harriers, Chelmsford AC, Benfleet RC and Colchester Harriers in a very competitive race.

The South of England Fell running Championships were held on the Isle of Wight at the weekend with record numbers competing in the three races that comprise the championship.

A three-mile short and steep race started proceedings on Saturday morning followed by an eight-miler in the afternoon and a 12-mile race on Sunday morning.

The prizes were dominated by London clubs Serpentine, Victoria Park and London Frontrunners, but the Striders claimed two bronze medals with fine performances from Sharon Bannister (V40) and Elaine Tribley (V50).

Nine Striders competed over this tough weekend of racing.

This weekend sees the club hosting the Essex Half-Marathon Championship at Pleshey.

For more information on the club go to www.springfieldstriders.org.uk.