There were good performances from Basildon, Southend and Thurrock athletes when the first of this season's Essex League cross-country fixtures were staged at the new town club's Gloucester Park home.

Southend had two first team placings through the under-15 boys and under-17/20 women, and also gained two individual victories. These came through Adam Hickey in the under-15 boys and Natasha Bailey in the under-13 girls.

Raining champions - the large field gets underway in a wet start to the under-13 boys' race

Basildon won the men's event through Mark Sampford (26.42) and also emerged victorious in the under-15 girls' team competition.

Basildon's winning team representatives here were Lucy Chatfield (3rd) 14.26; Hayley Moore (4th) 14.27; Hayley Stibbs (6th) 14.31 and Claire Stanners (10th) 14.40.

Thurrock's lone success came through Andrew Rolfe, who won the under-17 boys' competition.

Published Friday October 18, 2002

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