CHERWELL'S Hannah England shrugged off the effects of a trip to Spain to win her fourth successive title at the Oxfordshire Schools' Cross Country Championships at Radley College.

The 16-year-old only returned home the previous day after finishing fifth for her club Oxford City in the Cross Internacional de Italica in Seville at the weekend.

Despite the rigours of her long-distance trip, she matched strides with arch rival Josephine Rhodes (King Alfred's, Wantage) for much of the under 19 girls' race before pulling clear in the last 500m for a comfortable victory.

It gave her an impressive four-timer following her wins at under 17 in the previous two years, and at under 15 in 2000.

Chris Gillespie (King Alfred's) completed a hat-trick of county titles with victory in the under 19 boys' race.

He led home a one-two for the Wantage school, with Owain Bristow runner-up and Ben Reekes (Radley) third. It gave King Alfred's a double following Tim Trayner's runaway triumph in the under 15 boys' race. Archie Vey (Radley) and Grant Harris (Fitzharry's, Abingdon) took the minor honours.

Ed Womersley (St Edward's, Oxford), runner-up at under 15 last year, went one better with victory in the under 17 race.

He stormed home from Luke Bennett (Fitzharry's) and Tom Lambell (Bloxham).

Oxford High's Carolyn Plateau, winner at under 15 two years ago and third behind England at under 17 12 months ago, claimed her second county crown with victory in the latter age group.

She proved too strong for Gina Hood (Headington) and Hayley Chaundy (Peers, Littlemore). Martha Lloyd's victory in the under 15 girls' race gave Cherwell a second individual winner, with Sophie Tyers (Rye St Antony, Headington) and Hayley Luke (Gosford Hill) filling the frame.

The first six in each race now go on to represent Oxfordshire in the English Schools' Championships at Mote Park, Maidstone on Saturday, March 13.

Radley and Headington both enjoyed double successes in the respective boys and girls team races.

The final two places in each age group will be decided following the regional championships at Wellington College, near Bracknell, on February 14.

Runners wishing to be considered should contact Glynis Wheatcroft at Cheney School.