Surprise series' leading lady Nala Johnson was pushed into second place in the latest race by another new face.

Johnson (IBM Runners) has had the series much her own way since her sudden arrival on the scene in race two last May.

But she was forced into runners-up position at the Eastleigh Running Club-organised event at Manor Farm Country Park on Wednesday by Totton's Marion Hermitage.

The two runners were locked together for most of the race but Hermitage - a former Australian national triathlon age group title holder and top class swimmer - had enough strength in the closing stages to pull away for a seven-second victory margin.

But it is all too late for the 37-year-old Totton Running Club athlete to mount a charge for the overall title with just four events left. Competitors' top six results are used to decide the winners.

Lee Rodriguez of New Forest Runners now only needs one win from the four remaining events to be sure of the men's individual title for this year.

He raced to another comfortable victory over teammate Chris Olden for the third time in a row.

Their efforts allowed New Forest to win the men's team race despite Southampton Running Club getting their five scorers in the top 14.

Hardley Runners' strength in depth once again gave them an easy victory in the ladies' team race.

Only a major stumble on their part will prevent them from taking the championship this season.

For full list of placings see today's Daily Echo