Fine team work and consistency earned Croydon Harriers’ men runners-up spot and promotion from Surrey Cross Country League Division Three after their final match at Wimbledon on Saturday.

Headed only by powerful newcomers Kent AC, who had finished fifth in the South of England Championship the previous week, Harriers, were led home by James Buchanan in third and Steve Goss in eighth.

They were followed by three veterans who made the top 30.

Over-40 Ian Wright was 12th, over-50 Colin Oxlade 16th and over-40 Andy Del Nevo 27th.

Several of Croydon Harriers’ aspiring younger cross country runners were inaction at the South East Schools; Inter Counties at Reigate Priory on Saturday.

Trinity U15 Andy Fanthorpe was highest placed among them, finishing 18th overall and fourth for the county.

John Fisher boy Patrick Lucas came home in 25th spot for Surrey.

Another Trinity student, Mark Plackett produced an excellent run in the intermediate race, placing 22nd overall and again fourth for the county, adding more key scalps to his collection At the weekend, the Harriers will be in East Surrey League action at Wimbledon Common.