Fifteen-year-old Jo Rhodes produced an astonishing display as she beat off the challenge of Headington's Iona Robertson to win the opening round of the women's individual race in the Oxford Mail Cross Country League's curtain-raiser at Ascott-under-Wychwood.

White Horse Harrier Rhodes crossed the line in 19mins 58secs, finishing 17 seconds ahead of Robertson, in a stunning run across the demanding West Oxfordshire course.

Headington's John Lisiewicz won the men's individual race in 30mins 8secs, with young White Horse Harrier Tom Penfold finishing a promising second in his first race.

Witney's Jerry McCarthy crossed the line in third place.

Despite Rhodes' heroics, she could not inspire her White Horse clubmates to the team prize.

That went to defending champions Headington Roadrunners, who, despite missing Jude Craft, Allison Hurst and Jo Knapton still proved too strong for the rest of the field.

They beat Banbury by eight points, with Phillippa Jones ninth and Helen Turley 17th, to add to Robertson's second.

In the men's team event, there was yet more joy for reigning champions White Horse Harriers, who were also missing a key figure in their team.

Pete Wilson mysteriously failed to show for the opening round, but in the end it didn't matter as they beat Woodstock Harriers into second place by eight points.

Along with Penford's second place, White Horse also had Steve McGuigan, Dave Wright, Tim Hughes, Jason Cooke and Paul Jegou in the top twenty, to secure them the team prize.

Another fine performance came from Cirencester's Wendy Jones, who finished fourth in the ladies individual race, despite being nearly six months pregnant.

On the junior front, Elysia Ridley (Witney Roadrunners) did exceptionally well as she claimed victory in the under 13/under 15 girls' race, after taking the lead in the first 200 metres. The teenager finished with daylight between her and the opposition.

There was a clean sweep for Oxford City's youngsters with Jade Clarke, Danielle Anderson and Emily Patrick the first three home in the Under 11 girls' race.

James Wilson (Oxford City) stormed home to take first place in the Under 13 boys race and was followed in third by clubmate Ian Castle.

By Kieren Bushnell