Croydon Harriers kicked off their cross-country winter campaign in encouraging fashion on Saturday at the Surrey men’s and women’s league races.

At Richmond Park, Stevie Lawrence made her senior debut in the Surrey women’s league, finishing fourth in the U20 category and 60th overall in 28 minutes 15 seconds over the 6km course. There were 383 finishers.

In the young athletes races, Jessica Moore was 17th in the U15s with support from Ellie McCormack (35th), ensuring Croydon placed eighth in the team competition.

In the U17 ranks, Naomi Carty (9th) returned to the fold with back-up from Josie Kavanagh (11th) contributing to the team finishing third overall.

The club’s future looked encouraging in the U13 girls' ranks with a Croydon trio led home by Cassandra Howard (49th) followed by Kyra Sethna-McIntosh (52nd) and Leanne Moore (57th). The team placed 12th overall.

The men’s team meanwhile made their first appearance in the league’s top flight at Farthing Downs in Coulsdon for the first time in 15 years, following three promotions in five seasons.

The 22-strong Harriers outfit battled hard against tough opposition, and eventually placed eighth out of the nine competing teams.

Peter Chambers achieved his top 10 aim at the first time of asking, finishing ninth and first U20 male in a high quality field, finishing the 5.4 mile course in 29:30.

He was backed up by Ben Savill (44th, 31:36), David White (51st, 31:57), Jake English (52nd & 3rd U20, 31:58) and Brendan Murphy (69th, 32:57).

The rest of the scoring 10 comprised of Brunel’s Alex Penfold (83rd, 33:31), senior debutant Kartik Iyer (115th, 35:33), Neil Aikman (36:03), Loughborough Uni’s Patrick Lucas (122nd, 36:23) and club stalwart Alan Burn (126th & 7th M50, 36:40).

With just two clubs to go down, Croydon will hope for a timely boost at the next league fixture at Lloyd Park on the November 8.

It is not too late to enter the Lexus Croydon 10K road race, taking place on Sunday 19th October at Lloyd Park at 10.15am. Entries will be available on the day from 8.30am. All abilities welcome. For more information visit nice-work.org.uk