Reigning men's champions Headington Roadrunners were given a wake-up call as they were well beaten in the first round of the Oxford Mail Cross League at Ascott-under-Wychwood.

It was Cirencester who emerged as early favourites to take the league honours in both the men's and women's competitions after stealing the show.

They made the most of a weakened Headington side to cruise to a massive team victory in the men's race, and although they managed only fourth in the women's contest, they had several regulars missing, suggesting they will be the team to beat when they are back to full strength.

With Headington's defending champion Steve Kimber absent, and Gary Harris opting to run elsewhere, Cirencester took full advantage as Chris Illman and David Roper posted a one-two in times of 29mins 39secs and 30.41 respectively to lead their team to victory.

Such was Cirencester's dominance, they brought all seven of their points-scoring athletes home in the first 30, with Marc Fallows joining Illman and Roper in the top ten.

Ed Womersley (St Edward's School) finished third in 30.51, with Witney Roadrunner Phil Hails clocking 31.05 for fourth.

It was a hugely disappointing turn-out for reigning men's champions Headington, with none of their top athletes making the trip to west Oxfordshire.

Vasili Zverev was their first man home, crossing the line in eighth place in 31.18, and a severely- weakened line-up could not even manage second in the team standings.

That went to Abingdon Amblers A, who had five athletes in the top 30.

They were led home by Paul Fernandez and Les Newell in 13th and 14th respectively.

In the women's race, a new name, but the same face crossed the line in first place as Wendy Nicholls (neé Jones) cruised to victory in 17.11.

She produced a powerful performance to pull away from the field to cross the line more than 30 seconds clear of her nearest rival.

White Horse Harriers' duo Frances Briscoe and Josephine Rhodes were second and third, and with Gee Armitage finishing 24th, Harriers were first in Ladies' Division 2.

The team prize in Division 1 went to Team Kennet, whose trio of athletes were all in the top 12, led home by Rachel Elliot in fourth place.

Headington Roadrunners were second, Sally Howard, Corinna Abesser and Frances Burge finishing 14th, 17th and 18th respectively.

Witney Roadrunners finished third, led home by veteran Nicola Gomm in fifth.