THE South of England Cross-Country Championships were a star studded affair with international quality in abundance at a very tough Parliament Hill course. And Marlow residents were well to the fore in both the ladies and mens events.

Current Reebok Cross Challenge Series leader Hayley Yelling (Borough of Hounslow AC), winner at both Cumbernauld and Cardiff since being disappointed by her contribution to Britain's team silver medals at the European Championships, won the Southern title for the second time in three years in 33 minutes, 58.17 seconds ahead of former English National Champion Angela Newport (Basingstoke Mid Hants) and a further 44 seconds up on Reebok Margate winner Liz Yelling (Bedford & County AC).

Yelling (Hayley) was to the fore right from the start of the race, on the leaders shoulder as the lead pack charged up the notorious opening climb at this traditional venue.

Picking her way lightly through the dense mud which forced many other athletes to abandon their pursuit, the Bucks teacher was always in control and as she made the drop to the end of the first lap had fifty metres to spare on the secod placed runner.

She extended this advantage over the second lap to recapture the Southern Championship crown and establish herself as one the chief aspirants for the British team for the World Championships to be held in Dublin in March.