TEAM Solent's Angus Maclean led Hampshire's senior men to their first victory in 19 years at the annual International Cross-Country Races in Coutances, France.

Taking time out from his medical studies at Southampton University, the 22-year-old 1,500-metres ace from Curdridge finished sixth among a quality field dominated, as usual, by the Kenyans.

Another of Hampshire's rising stars, Chris Thompson, finished third, but was competing for Shaftesbury Barnet.

Brian Stopher was the second county runner home in 13th place, followed by Steve Turvill in 16th, Jonathan Brown in 17th and Jason Palmer in 21st.

Thanks to the gritty determination of Basingstoke's Caroline Slimin, Hampshire also finished top of the pile in the senior women's race.

Knowing they needed four scorers, Slimin defied an attack of cramp to finish in 27th place. Stephanie Robson came fourth, Helena Tobin - sister of red-hot 400m prospect Robert - was sixth and Tracy Cornell finished 11th.

Southampton-based international Lucy Elliott also travelled with Hampshire and finished overall runner-up.

It wasn't only the senior athletes who struck gold. Hampshire's Channel-hopping junior women also savoured team glory through Bryony Crompton (third), Sophie Hall (5th), Rebecca Ford (7th) and Jo Barrett (8th).

It was the same success story for the under-13 boys, who were represented by two sets of twins. Scott and Luke Edgington came fourth and 15th respectively and sandwiched between were Tom and Joe Wade in 11th and 12th.

Only two under-17 boys travelled, John Beattie finishing second and Ian Moate 17th.

British 400-metres star Jamie Baulch - a big buddy and rival of Southampton's one-lap hero Iwan Thomas - has agreed to open a 24-hour gym challenge at Aspirations in Winchester this weekend.

Based at the Winchester Tennis & Squash Club, Aspirations will be raising money for the British Heart Foundation. Members will take part in a 24-hour team gym challenge.