Both Basildon and Southend Athletic Clubs put forward some good performances when the new Essex League cross-country season got underway in unusually balmy conditions at Hyland Park, Chelmsford.

Outstanding for the seasiders were the under-15 boys with Adam Hickey recovering from an early fall to beat old adversary Andrew Livingstone (Thurrock) by two seconds and win in 16 mins. 13 sec.

He was helped to Southend team success on 24 points by Mark Bailey (sixth) 17.34, Chris Lee (seventh) 17.51 and David Crichton (tenth) 18.27. Back-up came from Peter Smale (13th) 19.14.

In the same age group, there were three Basildon entries with Sam Babbage 19th in 20.38, Scott Phillips 20th in 20.43 and Daniel Shane 22nd (21.45). The incomplete team was fifth.

Southend were forced to field an incomplete team of three in the under-15 girls, but their star duo of Kristinsa Marshall (third in 14.28) and Nikita Aspinell (fourth eight seconds behind) did enough to bring them home third with the backing of Sarah Jeffery (19th 16.34).

Here Basildon were second with their scoring four bunching superbly from sixth to ninth respectively through Lucy Chatfield (15.09), Kirsty Tydeman (15.24), H Stibbs (15.34) and C Stanners (15.36). Back-up here came from Jo Butterworth (13th in 15.51).

Basildon won the under-17 girls' race through Stacey Ward (19.34) with Annie Lingard third (20.21). Southend's lone runner here was Sam Daly (ninth 22.03).

For the boys at that age level, Southend's Ashley Humphreys was second in 23.57 and team-mate John Sceats eighth in 27.15. The only Basildon runner, and following up an excellent track season, was John Hemmings (fourth in 24.42).

The under-13s had the largest local entry with the Southend girls second (53) and Basildon third (62).

Scoring team for Southend were Natasha Bailey (fifth 13.35), Nicole Kelly (seventh 13.47), twin sister Jasmine (15th 14.22) and Natalie Clark (26th 15.27).

Offering good support were Nicky Baines (27th 15.29), Naomi Hutchinson (34th 16.27), Emma Hart (36th 16.47) and Clare Solley (39th 17.20).

Basildon's challenge was led by H Moore (eighth 13.51), H Chatfield (12th 14.08) and A Whitfield (13th 14.11).

The under-13 boys saw Southend second on 62 through Bill Sceats (ninth 15.02), Martin Winch (15th 15.50), Jamie Clark (16th 15.51) and Brent Cain (22nd 16.59). Back up was led by Brent's twin brother Alex (23rd 17.12) and Dan Wright (25th 17.51).

The new towners were led to third by James Shane (11th 15.34), Tommy Sadler (17th 15.59), Dominic Barnard, stepping up in distance, (19th in 16.11) and Mark Samford (21st 16.43). Back up came from Kelvin Squire (24th 17.40).

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.