Croydon Harriers’ men’s team battled hard in the face of stiff opposition on Saturday in Division One of the 2XU Surrey cross-country league at Lloyd Park.

The hosts had 22 men in the main field boasting some of the best athletes in the county, but could only manage eighth in the nine-team fixture.

Lexus Croydon 10K winner Peter Chambers led the squad home in ninth overall in 26 minutes 58 seconds, the same position he placed in the first fixture last month.

He was backed up by Sussex student Ben Savill (51st, 29:13), Jake English (76th, 30:21), Brunel student Alex Penfold (94th, 31:10), David Brown (97th, 31:19) and Loughborough student Patrick Lucas (111th, 31:56). 

The scoring 10 was completed by Alan Burn (118th, 32:12), Laurence Johnston (122nd, 32:37), Neil Aikman (125th, 32:49) and a returning Sam Clayton (126th, 33:01). 

Standings after two fixtures: Kent (411), Thames Hare & Hounds (615), South London (742), Hercules Wimbledon (783), Herne Hill (855), Ranelagh (954), Belgrave (1,011), Croydon (1,310), Reigate (1,509).

In the young athlete’s race, Omar Harhara led the Croydon contingent home with a 13th position in the 115-strong field.

The rest of the scoring quartet consisted of Kieron Connor (25th), Luke Wakeling (27th) and Jordan O’Dongo (44th) to ensure the team placed fifth overall.

In the U13 ranks, Matis Godet was first home for the hosts in 89th and followed by Fergus Smith (92nd), Robbie Tambling (101st) and Theo Flanagan (105th). The team finished 10th overall.

This weekend sees the Borough of Croydon take on the best runners in London at the 38th Balfour Beatty London Youth Games at Parliament Hill.