Steve Kimber, as expected, wrapped up his third successive senior and overall men's titles, despite finishing second in the final round at Horspath.

For the second race in a row, Kimber was no match for Alchester's newcomer Mathew Almond, who romped to victory almost 30 seconds clear of the field in 33mins 44secs.

But Kimber had more than enough in the tank to finish second, with his only real challenger for the title, Cirencester's Marc Fallows, back in seventh place.

Kimber has been good value for his title this season.

Missing the first race of the season at Witney, he knew he had to appear in every other round, and was at his consistent best throughout.

The emergence of Almond, however, suggests it'll be a far tighter contest next season, if the Alchester ace competes in the required four rounds.

The overall and senior women's honours had already been secured by White Horse Harriers' Frances Briscoe, although again, she had to settle for second place in the last round.

Victory at Horspath went to the returning Wendy Nicholls, whose absence from three of the races this season meant she relinquished her grip on the overall women's crown.

However, Nicholls has suggested a comeback next season, and she looked as strong as ever as she clocked 17.40 to see off Briscoe's challenge by some distance.

As always seems the case, the conditions under foot at Horspath were as perfect as you could get, although the blustery wind made it tough going out in the open fields.

The men's team contest was all-but over as a competition after the last round, but Cirencester A confirmed their dominance with another victory here - albeit only four points ahead of Headington, who have relinquished their grip on the crown.

But the women's competition was far from settled, and just three points separated leaders Team Kennet and Headington Roadrunners going into this race.

And it was Headington who made up for the disappointment of their men's team losing their title as they packed superbly to wrest the crown from Team Kennet's grasp.

It was Headington's fifth championship success, and halted a run of four successive titles for Cirencester.

Their three points-scoring athletes in the A team finished joint-first with Cirencester, while Team Kennet could manage only a disappointing sixth.

So the anticipated close finale did not materialise, with Headington's margin of victory being 50 points.

The race for honours in women's Division 2 proved most exciting, and White Horse Harriers emerged victorious to win the league by a single point from Swindon Harriers, thanks in no small part to Briscoe's heroic season.

Elsewhere, Witney's John Atyeo wrapped up the vet 40 men's honours, while Swindon Harrier Brian Gardner was victorious in the vet 50 division.

Following in his daughter's footsteps, Frank Briscoe was confirmed as the vet 60 men's champion after finishing 71st in 41.48.

Ros Kelling landed the vet 35 ladies' crown, while Witney Roadrunner Nicola Gomm was confirmed as vet 45 champion.

In the vet 55 section, Eynsham Roadrunner Kate Williamson wrapped up the title.