CROSS country runners from Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club hit top form in the mud at Bournemouth in the fourth match of the Hampshire Cross Country League.

Runners from the Down Grange club claimed four podium places, including one win, on one of the best days ever experienced by Basingstoke in the league.

Gemma Wildash was the star of the show, winning the under-17 race by about 50m thanks to a strong final 800m. Younger sister Lucy almost repeated the feat, finishing second in the under-15 event, while Rebecca Poole picked up a silver medal in the under-13 event.

Jermaine Mayes was the bronze medallist and his performance in the senior men’s race means that he now leads the individual standings.

Rebecca Bullock was unlucky not to add to the tally, finishing fourth in the under-13 race, while several other runners claimed places in the top 10.

James Beeks was fifth in the under-15 race, a result matched by Freya Davis in the under-17 women’s event, while Ollie Butler was sixth in the under-17 event.

Brendan O’Connor was 14th in the senior men’s event, while Charlotte Chalwin was 13th in the senior women’s race.