Dulwich Runners on course for instant promotion back to Surrey Cross Country First Division

Both Dulwich Runners teams made great progress on Saturday towards sealing a return to the Surrey Cross Country First Division at the first time of asking, writes Jonathan Whittaker.

The ladies team recorded a commanding first place finish on a 8.4km Mitcham Common course to extend their lead over nearest rivals London City to 110 points with just one race to go.

Clare Elms recorded her third top-10 performance of the season with her best yet in second place (34:56).

Polly Warrack had another measured run to again finish in the top 10 (sixth, 35:55).

Becca Schulleri enjoyed her return to Surrey League action by finishing in 11th place (36:41). Katie Styles (37:27) and Clare Whitaker (38:13) were 15th and 22nd respectively.

The men returned to the same 8 km course at Richmond Park that had started their last promotion push in 2018. They recorded a convincing 71-point victory over a fast improving Epsom & Ewell, extending their championship lead over nearest challengers Croydon to 202 points.

Ed Chuck (26:09) and Jack Ramm (26:15) pushed each otheron their way to a well-deserved one-two.

Andy Bond cemented his second place in the V40 championships with an excellent 13th (28:08) to hold off Rob Armstrong (14th, 28:12).

Finn Nugent made a debut in the competition to finish 18th (28:34).

There was excellent team packing thanks to Sean Cordon (21st, 28:51) and Jon Phillips (23rd, 28:55).

Adrian Russell came 35th (29:22) with debutant Shane Boyce (45th, 30:04) and Wayne Lashley (52nd, 30:14) completing the scoring.