Woodford Green with Essex Ladies Athletics Club surrendered the Essex Championships title to Chelmsford on Saturday despite putting in a brave performance in difficult conditions.

Woodford's task was made more difficult when two athletes were forced to pull out before the race in Colchester.

Kevin Murphy was the first man in for the team, making light of an illness to finish 14th after surging through the field in the third lap.

Gareth Cavell was Woodford's second fastest in 29th and not far behind was Jim Roche who followed up a good result in the Essex Vets before Christmas with a strong run.

Next in was Harold Wyber and Tom Beedel who both overcame recent injury troubles to finish 35th and 40th.

Joe Everitt, in 48th, was the last man in for Woodford whose top six narrowly missed out on the medals.

There was a fine result from Woodford's Under-20 runner James Stockings who claimed silver.

Elsewhere Ed Shepherd came second in a competitive Hertfordshire Championships.

In the Merseyside Championships, Jordan Donnelly and Hywel Care were fifth and eighth respectively while Bertie Powell finished 13th in the Middlesex Championships.

The best team result in the Girls Under-15s' race where the Woodford girls came second.

Jodie Ratcliffe led the team home in fourth and was closely followed by Rosie Poole in seventh. Edie Preece in 14th and Jess Archard in 24th also amade valuable contributions.

The Boys Under-15 team also ran well for third place team with Canaan Soloman enjoying a great run to take the individual gold medal.

Soloman was supported by James Wakefield in 16th, Owen Armstrong in 17th and Harry Cavell in 21st.