Oxford City's over 50s were jubilant after they retained their National Veterans Road Relay Championship title at Sutton Park.

They have now won the title six times in the last eight years, finishing second in 2002 and 2003.

Only 17 seconds down on last year's time, the same team as last year won by a commanding 2 minutes 13 seconds from Invicta East Kent in second place and Stockport Harriers in third.

Dave Parsons, on the first leg, beat last time of last year, crossing the line in 17.39 to finish in 34th place.

Gareth Jones was 15 seconds faster than last year, clocking 16.48 to bring the team up to ninth place.

Dave Wheeler continued the progress, finishing fifth with 17.12, then John Exley brought the team into second place with a blistering 16.30.

It was left to Roy Treadwell to take City into the lead with a time of 16.41m, allowing anchorman Richard Grant to start the last leg with a lead of more than a minute.

He extended this with a run of 16.25 to ensure the title again for City.

The Vet 50 race was followed by the mens Vet 40 event, with over 60 teams of eight runners competing.

Oxford City secured their highest position for a number of years, finishing 11th, only five seconds outside of a top ten place.

Brian Green ran the first leg in 15.50, finishing in 15th overall. Trevor Dixon finished eighth in 16.09, followed by James Percival, who maintained the position with one of his best runs for the club (16.14).

Steve Male then ran a fast fourth leg, taking the team up to third place. His time of 14.48 was among the fastest times of the day.

Dominic Swords(16.47), Nic Russell (17.46), Julian Hehir (17.32) and Dave Hartwell (17.39) brought the team home in 11th.

OTHER RESULT

VET 40

Woodstock Harriers: 30 B Vaughan 16.22, C Thompson 17.17, D Ashton 16.14, M Shipway 19.22, M Townsend 17.32, S Caswell 19.37, R Gardner 17.33, G Dell 16.23. Combined time: 2.20.20.