THE second Essex Cross-Country League fixture saw Halstead Road Runners head to Hylands Park in Chelmsford.

The fixture attracted a strong line-up and Halstead fielded strong teams in both the men's and the women's races, including cross-country debuts for Lizzie Griffiths and Jon Greenley.

Mel Candler was the first lady back for Halstead in 45th position, with the returning Kathryn Bronson second in 54th. Wendy Carter and Sarah Frost made up the remainder of the scoring women's team.

The ladies' team finished second in division two on the day.

Halstead's men's team had Jim Clark first back in 90th position, followed by Richard Candler, Wesley Atkins and Nathan Roulson.

Bob Langley and Jon Greenley made up the remainder of the scoring men's team that finished fifth in division two.

Andy Owen, new club captain Dan Hollinshead, Neil Poulter, Ian Chandler and Andy Carter were the other men.

The results meant Halstead's ladies remained second in division two and the men fourth in division two after the two fixtures.

The club's attention now moves to the start of the 53-12 Cross-County League on Sunday at Abbey Fields in Colchester.

Meanwhile, there was a sea of yellow at the Great Notley Parkrun, as Halstead Road Runners attended to celebrate long-standing member Brian Collins' 80th birthday.

Collins, who has been a Halstead member since the early 1990s has a London Marathon best time of three hours 59 minutes 12 seconds, but he now concentrates on the shorter distances that Parkrun offers.

He usually completes the 5km Notley course in around 30 minutes, however, Saturday's event had a more relaxed party atmosphere as he led a group of 20 fellow Halstead Road Runners home in 32m 59s.