Although the annual South of England cross-country Championships saw the usual Aldershot and District domination Southend's under-17 men were not to be denied.

With the event returning to its London home at Parliament Hill Fields, the seasiders triumphed for the fifth year running, while the Hampshire club won half the 10 team prizes.

And it is the Southend quartet of Adam Hickey, Mark Bailey, David Crichton and Christopher Lee that has achieved those five wins.

Hickey has not been at his best recently and explained: "I broke my wrist six weeks ago in a mountain bike accident, but an MRI scan has only recently revealed the break, so I've not been able to go swimming."

Even so, Hickey was the first home for Southend in third place in 22 mins. 26 secs for the six kilometre course, with Bailey immediately behind in 22.32.

Crichton (22.51) was sixth and Lee 17th (23.34). Back up came from Daniel Quinn (33rd in 24.07) while Basildon AC's David Bottjer continued his good form from the Essex Schools event when he finished 13th in 23.21.

Mark Waine was Southend's only runner in the 800-plus field for the 15km men's race, finishing 318th with 59.54.

The under-17 women saw Carran Lefever and Lauren Starr finish 49th (23.44) and 82nd (26.05) respectively in a field of over 100.

Published Friday January 30, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo