John Gilbert of Kent AC was denied a fifth consecutive men’s gold at the Kent Cross-Country Championships at Brockhill Park School, Hythe on Saturday, writes Alan Newman.

Conditions were difficult, with the Country Park section becoming waterlogged and after an injury that delayed the programme the senior men’s and women’s races were held on revised and shortened courses.

Dean Lacy (Cambridge Harriers) was the man in form, racing to victory on the hastily rearranged six-lap course by 50 seconds from Gilbert (Kent AC). Mike Coleman of South Kent Harriers pushed Gilbert hard but had to settle for bronze.

The senior women’s race was the best of the day, with the outcome in doubt until the final seconds. Lucy Reid (Tonbridge) led for the first of four laps but had to give way to an inspired Amy Clements (Kent AC). Clare Elms (Dulwich) won the bronze.

Rowan Fuss (Blackheath and Bromley Harriers) took the under-13 boys’ title, James Puxty led Tonbridge to under-15 gold, the under-17 title was retained by Alex Yee (Kent AC) and Abel Tsegay (Invicta) won the under-20 gold.

Maisy Rose (Dartford Harriers) had the honour of becoming the first county champion of the day in the under-13 girls’ race. Kathleen Faes (Tonbridge) took the under-15 gold, Sabrina Sinha (Cambridge Harriers), celebrated her selection for Great Britain Juniors in the Great Edinburgh International with a 36-second winning margin in the under-17s and Amy Old (Invicta) enjoyed the biggest win of the day – by 86 seconds – in the under-20 race.