defending champion Steve Naylor could manage only third place as the Chiltern Cross Country League got under way.

Naylor, from Combe, was involved in a three-way battle for honours in a fast race for the season-opener in Watford.

But a final sprint finish proved in vain as Daniel Woodgate claimed victory.

Naylor was on the heels of Woodgate going into the second lap of the 10,000m race after the leading runners pulled well clear of the chasing pack.

He had slipped to third spot approaching the final hill before the dash for the line, but was unable to improve his position and came home in 31mins 39secs, 13 seconds behind Woodgate.

Rachel Hallam was the first Headington Roadrunner home, finishing sixth in the ladies race in 26.32.

CLUB RESULTS

Headington Roadrunners Women: 6 R Hallam 26.32, 13 L Barker 27.28, 36 A Hopkins 29.43, 49 H Griffiths 31.03, 54 N Smith 31.43, 100 M-A Fischer 36.36, 114 C Conway 39.56, 117 A Chappell 40.30.

Men: 18 C Dettmar 34.46, 25 M Robinson 35.09, 76 R Skilbeck 37.46, 96 M Pearce 38.56, 156 J Griffiths 43.18, 160 T Procter-Legg 43.39, 167 N Baker 44.04, 203 A Smith 47.46.