Medway and Maidstone's Tom Collins continued the defence of his Kent Cross-Country League title with a sixth-placed finish at Tonbridge, writes Alan Newman.

The 2012 champion Dean Lacy (Cambridge Harriers) set off in determined fashion, with Blackheath and Bromley Harriers' 2008 and 2009 European Championships GB team member Mike Skinner for company.

The tough climb near the start and finish saw Blackheath’s versatile Alex Littlewood emerge as the likely winner, with his 4min06sec mile pace most evident on the descents. However, Invicta East Kent’s 18-year-old prospect Abel Tsegay had other ideas as he briefly took the lead going into the final circuit.

Littlewood’s strength prevailed by 18 seconds with Eritrean athlete Tsegay easily the best under-20 junior. Lacy and Skinner were followed by the host club’s Max Nicholls (under-20) and Collins.

Blackheath and Cambridge Harriers both defeated the hosts to leave three clubs tied at the top of the table, with M&M the nearest opposition. Blackheath, Tonbridge and M&M were the leading teams at 12-to-score, with Blackheath and Tonbridge sharing the overall lead.

The senior women's race saw siblings Bobby and Alex Clay of Invicta East Kent first and second. Tonbridge made a promising start with Nicole Taylor (U20, third) and Lucy Reid (fourth) repeating their first round results before Amy Old (fifth) wrapped up the team victory for the exclusively under-20 Invicta squad.

Invicta and Tonbridge were the predictable leaders in the team categories but Paddock Wood surprised many with third place ahead of M&M at three-to-score, although they did improve to third with their stronger six-to-score squad.