HALSTEAD Road Runners put in a superb performance at the final fixture in the Essex Cross-Country League at Gloucester Park in Basildon to secure their return to division one of the county's foremost cross-country competition.

The ladies raced first, with Hazel Buist (29th) showing she can compete with the best in Essex, followed closely by Rosie Atkins (35th) and Mel Candler (38th).

Wendy Carter (52nd) completed the scorers, while Sarah Frost (79th) continued her consistent form as a key member of the ladies' team.

The men, with all to play for, gave it everything with Wesley Atkins (67th), Jim Clark (76th), Stuart Prestney (90th), captain Dan Hollinshead (96th), Bob Langley (105th) and Andy Carter (152nd) completing the scoring team.

Langley, who championed the club’s return to this league after several years’ break, also won the overall V60 age category for the season.

Both the ladies and men finished third on the day in their respective categories.

The final league positions in division two placed Halstead ladies second and the men third, meaning that both the ladies and men have been promoted and will be competing in division one next season.

The cross-country season comes to an end this weekend with the final fixture in the 53-12 League at Notley Park.

Halstead's Bob Langley won the overall V60 category in the Essex Cross-Country League this season.