Evergreen Pete Wilson negotiated a 20ft water jump before winning the opening round of the 2000-2001 Oxford Mail Cross Country League at Ascott-under-Wychwood, writes Jon Murray.

The White Horse Harrier finished comfortably ahead of Banbury's Simon Pritchard in the race hosted by Witney Roadrunners.

Bourton's Dennis Walmsley, the reigning men's champion, did well to compete despite having a slight injury, and he finished fifth, managing to beat Headington's Gary Harris in the process.

White Horse Harriers, who look to have a very strong group, stormed to the Men's Division 1 team honours on the day, ending 92 points ahead of second-placed Headington.

The calibre of Cirencester's runners surprised many. The Gloucestershire club, who are in Division 2, accumulated a points total which would have left them runners-up in Division 1. There was a huge turn-out, with no fewer than 185 men completing the course.

It was not as muddy as many had expected, after so much recent rain, though the runners still managed to get pretty wet, thanks to the 20 ft water jump they had to splash through.

It was nearly a foot deep but with a gravel bottom it did not present a problem for most of the competitors.

Jude Craft, so outstanding when she competes anywhere in Oxfordshire in road races, surprisingly came home in only fifth place in a women's race won by Cirencester's E Leggate. White Horse Harrier Frances Briscoe held on for second place.

Witney's Sally Pitts was first Vet 35 in seventh place, but international Vet 45 Gill Dean went even better, taking fourth position.

The race to finish as the top women's team looks to be an interesting one.

Headington won this time but Cirencester, holders Radley Ladies, Witney, White Horse and Abingdon were all not far behind.