Headington Road Runners' Richard Bromley took the men's honours in the third round of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League at Ardington on Sunday.

But he was pushed all the way by young star Tom Penfold (White Horse Harriers) and overall men's leader John Lisiewicz (Headington), who fought out a thrilling battle for second place.

On a hard, frosty course, Bromley came home first in 28min 53sec, having taken the lead up the hill on the final lap of the three-lap event.

The real battle was for second place, with 17-year-old Penfold slugging it out with Lisiewicz.

Penfold, on his home course, looked as if he might be caught in the sprint finish, but held on to see off his rival by just one second. Penfold was timed at 29.11 and Lisiewicz 29.12.

Penfold has now recorded two second places to go along with his victory in the last round at Enslow Quarry, and is firmly in line for the overall men's prize which is open to all categories.

The senior men's individual prize is still in the balance with two events left at Cirencester and Banbury over the next two months.

Lisiewicz is currently leading from Headington's Gary Harris, who was fifth on Sunday.

Bromley is out of the running as he missed the first two events this season because of his Birmingham League commitments. Runners must compete in four of the five Mail fixtures to qualify.

On the team front, Woodstock finished tops at Ardington, with Banbury recording a rare second place.

The women's individual honours went to another Headington runner, Allison Hirst, who took the lead on the last lap and finished a comfortable winner.

Radley's Tracey Galbraith was second 45 seconds behind, with up-and-coming youngster Jo Rhodes (White Horse) third.

Overall women's leader Iona Robertson (Headington) did not run on Sunday.

Best performances of the day from Oxford City runners went to Charlotte Eadle (U15) and Jade Clarke (U11) both of whom won their respective age groups.

See separate story for results and latest standings