Team Southampton's Neil Phillips broke new ground in the opening Hampshire Cross Country League fixture at Winchester's Farley Mount.

He recorded his quickest time of 29 minutes and 15 seconds and his best place of fifth to lead the team to fifth in Division 1.

His teammate Ross Fripp was 177th in 37.53, winning a £10 bet with his coach that he would finish in under 40 minutes! John MacInnes led the vet men home in 40 minutes exactly, the team finishing 11th in Division 2, while Ann Dukes, making possibly her last run for the club, was first home for the 11th-placed veteran women.

Like the men, the senior women's team were fifth - their fastest runner being Rebecca Gough, an under-17 athlete, who covered the 6k course in 22.06. Hayley Pointer and Charlotte Benning were next, bringing the under-20 women home in second.

The under-13 girls achieved two top-ten placings with Mhairi-Clair Stewart 4th and Nicky Humphrey 7th helping the team to second place on the day.

That team position was matched by the under-17 men trio of Scott Legg 7th, Jamie Knapp 8th and Scott Gallant 11th.

The under-15 boys turned out in force to finish third team through Martin Nottingham 10th, Louis Gates 12th and Simon Nimmim 16th.

The under-13 boys finished fifth overall with the Campbell twins, Martin and Simon, spearheading their attack in 13th and 14th places. Robert Galbenu was 41st and Matthew Knapp, running his first Hampshire under-13 race, placed 44th.

Jenny Beckingham also finished top-ten to lead the under-15 girls to fifth place.

Team Southampton's Des Webb thoroughly enjoyed the day, saying: "It was a brilliant start to the season - numbers up, sunshine out and good results. Many thanks to the efficiency, organisation and cheerfulness of our hosts, Winchester & District AC.

Southampton's next race is the Wessex Cross Country League fixture at Hudson Fields, Salisbury, this Sunday (October 15).