STRIDERS of Croydon maintained their promotion challenge with an excellent team performance in Division Two of the Surrey Cross-Country League on Saturday.

On their home course at Lloyd Park, Striders men finished a close third, just four points behind second-placed Dorking.

Striders still have a clear lead in the table with a total of 955 points, Dorking are second with 1,034 and Stragglers third with 1,161.

First man home for the hosts was the consistent Matt Morgan who ran well to place sixth of the 139 finishers, covering the muddy five-mile course in 31 minutes 1 second.

Lee Flanagan ran well to place 14th (31:57) while Tyler O'Callaghan, in his first Surrey League race, showed great potential finishing 17th (32:14). Richard Lee-Smith came 25th (32:58), while Steve Starvis was 32nd (33:25) on his return from injury.

Mick Turner was next home in 49th (34:50) while John Foster ran strongly to place third in the over-50 category and 53rd overall (34.57). Barry White 55th (34:59), Chris Morton 61st (35:20) and Simon Ambrosi 62nd (35.24) were the other finishers.

Striders' women finished a close fourth in their Division Two match in Richmond Park, retaining third place overall.

Helen Furze again ran well to finish sixth of the 134 finishers, covering the five-mile course in 33:17. Suzy Yates placed 19th (36:08), Faye Stammers 28th (37:10), Alice Ewen 34th (37:25) and Josephine Thompson 35th (37:26).

Striders showed their strength in depth by having the first B team to finish. Their runners were Yasmin Anderson (42nd, 38:23); Hannah Musk (68th, 41:37); Sarah Hansbury (74th, 42:34); Jo Penny (96th, 45:02); Kim Ford (98th, 45:41) and Victoria Legge (134th, 63:07).

Striders are competing in the South of the Thames Cross Country Championship at Wimbledon Common tomorrow (Saturday).