Status quo was restored as Headington Roadrunner Steve Kimber returned to the league, and posted a comprehensive victory around the muddy fields of Culham Park on Sunday.

Defending overall men's champion Kimber, who was conspicuous by his absence in the first round, breezed around the course, renowned for being the most difficult on the circuit, to brush aside all his rivals.

Such was his dominance, Kimber had opened up a lead of almost 30 seconds by the time he crossed the finish line in 31mins 52secs.

Ed Womersley, (St Edward's School), also found the course to his liking.

Although having to give best to Kimber, he was out on his own in second place, as the top three were strung out along the course.

Cirencester's Mark Fallows was third, clocking 32.53, but first-round winner, Chris Illman, was not competing.

John Atyeo (Witney Roadrunners) was first home in the vet 40 age group, clocking 34.03 to finish 11th, while Cirencester's David Wright took the vet 50 prize.

Abingdon Ambler Thornton Greenland landed the vet 60 honours.

Despite Kimber's victory, it was once again a disappointing day for Headington in the team competition.

They managed only second, and are already more than 200 points adrift in the race for the title.

The team competition was won by Abingdon Amblers, led home by Paul Fernandez, who clocked 33.41 to finish seventh.

Les Newell also finished in the top ten for Abingdon, crossing the line ninth in 33.46.

Abingdon's other five points-scoring athletes finished in the top 70 to secure the team prize.

Under 20 duo Archie Vey and Steve Copley finished 19th and 26th respectively, while vet 40s Chris Bedford and Paul Thomas were 32nd and 55th.

Robin Schofield (V50) made up the team, clocking 38.36 for 69th place.

In the women's race, there was a new name at the front of the pack as Yasmin Smith (Swindon Harriers) made the most of Wendy Nicholls's absence to take first place.

The under 20 runner clocked 22.29 to edge out Team Kennet's Rachel Elliot by just four seconds to take victory.

Headington's Rachel Stoakes was third, while Witney Roadrunner Nicola Gomm was an impressive fifth in 23.27 to take the vet 45 ladies' prize.

Banbury Harrier Ros Kelling took the vet 35 ladies' honours, while Eynsham Roadrunner Kate Williamson won the vet 55 category.