Basildon's Mark Sanford led the way at the latest round of the Essex League cross-country championships at Chelmsford's Hylands Park.

He won the men's race in 27.35 and the new town club enjoyed further glory as the girls' under-15 team won that event.

In the junior events it was Southend Athletic Club which took the honours, claiming the boys' under-13 and women's under-17/20 team prizes.

The women's event, in which Basildon's Kirsty Tydeman captured individual honours on 19 mins. 03 secs, was led by Nikita Aspinell (2nd 19.08) and Kristina Marshall (3rd 19.16) and got excellent backing from Sam Daly (9th 20.35) and Sarah Jeffery (14th 21.26).

Southend won the team prize on 28 points, 31 clear of nearest rivals Havering with Basildon's incomplete team third.

In the boys' under-15 individual success went to Thurrock's Andrew Livingstone (15.01).

With Southend's star man Adam Hickey somewhat handicapped having jarred his back in the lead-up to the race when a train he was travelling on stopped suddenly, top scorer for the seasiders was Mark Bailey (2nd 15.48) with Hickey third on 16.02.

David Crichton (5th 16.24) and Christopher Lee (6th 16.36) completed the scoring team.

Published Friday November 8, 2002

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