THERE were triple celebrations for Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners after the final race of the Mid-Essex Cross-Country League.

The event was hosted by Braintree and District Athletic Club and took runners on a three lap course through Great Notley Country Park.

The camaraderie within Grange Farm was typified by James Bosher, Alistair Brown and Lee Pickering crossing the line together to finish in joint first place.

Also scoring points for the men’s team were Dan Reynolds, in sixth, Steve Read ninth, Josh Sowman 13th and Matt Webster 14th.

Scoring points for the club’s women were Danielle Robertson in second place, with Naomi Moss fourth, Hannah McIlvenna fifth and Jo Bisset-Smith sixth.

The strong performances by Grange Farm ensured that both teams were not only first on the day, but also finished top of the league.

Springfield Striders’ men finished second in the league, ahead of Little Baddow Ridge Runners, Braintree and District Athletic Club and Mid-Essex Casuals.

Second for the women was Little Baddow, followed by Springfield Striders, Mid-Essex Casuals and Braintree.

Grange Farm’s delight at winning the league was enhanced by the club’s Stebbing Remembrance Sunday ten-mile race being voted the best road race in Essex.