Striders of Croydon produced some outstanding performances at the Surrey Cross-Country League Division Two matches at Dorking on Saturday, writes Alan Dolton.

Striders’ men extended their lead at the top of Division Two with their second successive win, finishing 15 points ahead of second-placed Dorking.

Striders provided three of the first four finishers. Justin Macenhill produced an excellent run to take second place, covering the muddy five-mile course in 28 minutes 53. He was closely followed by Matt Morgan in third place (28.58) and Duncan Lancashire in fourth (29.01).

Lee Flanagan also had his best race for the club to finish ninth (29.40).

Other Striders scorers: 40 Mick Turner 32.09, 43 Richard Lee-Smith 32.22, 54 Taylor Huggins 32.42, 55 Barry White 32.42, 63 Matthew Chapman 33.02, 64 Paul Stanford 33.03.

Striders finished third in their match to give themselve a good chance of promotion back to Division One.

They were again led by Helen Furze who ran very well to finish fourth, covering the muddy four-mile course in 25 minutes 55.

Alice Ewen continued her improvement to place 16th (27.16) while Karen Knight was 30th (28.36), Faye Stammers 32nd (28.43) and Suzy Yates 38th (29.25).

Striders’ B team finished eleventh, ahead of several clubs’ A teams. This team comprised Hannah Musk (44th, 29.42); Carmen Somerset (54th, 30.39); Linda Daniel (68th, 31.56); Sarah Hansbury (85th, 33.21) and Jo Penny (92nd, 34.11).

The next league matches are on 12 December. Striders’ men will be on their home course in Lloyd Park, while their women will be at Richmond Park.