Sarah Bridger's victory in the final Essex League Cross County meeting of the season has given the Thurrock Harrier the overall women's prize.

This seemingly ageless athlete rarely runs a bad race, although did admit that the previous weekend's Inter Counties wasn't one of her best.

But as you'd almost expect, her response was to go out and head home the field at Colchester on Saturday for a second league win of the winter.

It's not the first time Bridger has won the title, but it was a few years ago, so the latest success is a credit to not only her fitness but competitive spirit.

Gail Dawson was third and took the overall veterans' prize. Sarah Hunt finished 18th (a personal best) and newcomer Heidi Smith, 36th.

Bridger and Dawson weren't the only champions, but Paul Livingstone (U/15) and Andrew Rolfe (U/17) weren't in attendance.

They'd already done enough in the previous four races to guarantee their top placing and the final meeting clashed with the Inter County Schools championships.

Daniel Patten, another absentee, was third overall (U/17).

Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002