By Matthew Kiernan

Croydon Harriers’ men’s team returned to the 2XU Surrey Cross Country League second division for the first time in six seasons after their final fixture at Wimbledon Common.

Croydon finished third on the day behind Dulwich and Full-on-Triathlon in the nine-club fixture, however they comfortably held on to one of two automatic qualification berths on offer and are promoted along with Dulwich.

Peter Chambers won the overall 5.4 mile race in 29 minutes, 30 seconds, his first Surrey League victory of the season after a pair of thirds and a runners-up finish this winter.

David White (31:05) was third, Mark Plackett (31:38) was fifth and Ben Savill (32:32) ninth.

Alan Burn (40th, 35:15), Neil Aikman (52nd, 36:37), Martin Rowe (69th, 37:34), Mark Maginn (74th, 37:47), Matthew Kiernan (79th, 37:57) and Keith Brown (111th, 42:17) completed the scoring team of 10 runners.

Non-scoring support came from Robert Rye (112th), Dave Warren (116th), Norman Hemming (120th) and Eric Campbell (129th) in the field of 129 runners.

In the young athlete’s 2.7 mile race, Kieron Connor finished third, with Omar Harhara and Luke Baker unofficial fifth and sixth positions.

Meanwhile, the women’s team also brought the curtain down on their campaign at Denbies Vineyard in Dorking.

Brighton Marathon hopeful Sophie Bates finished in her highest ever Surrey league position of 31st and was fourth in the second division race.

In the young athletes races, Stevie Lawrence was fifth in the U17 women’s race to add to her fourth and eighth position finishes also gained this season.

Emily Howe (28th) and Josie Kavanagh (35th) provided support.

Ellie McCormack kept the flag flying in the U13 girl’s race, finishing 42nd.