CROFT Ambrey Running Club took individual and team honours as they dominated the women's category of the Herefordshire Cross Country League.

Gemma Mallett wrapped up her individual honours in style by taking victory in the final round on Sunday in the woodlands above Presteigne.

Meanwhile, Hereford Couriers' Matt James took his third consecutive league victory in the men's event.

The final race of the winter series was held on a challenging, hilly and muddy course in the woodlands and the women were first away over a shorter (4.4 miles) course.

Croft Ambrey's latest recruit Alice Godding led the early pace before marathon specialist Mallett forged a lead as the testing conditions began to take effect on her rivals.

Godding held on the second place and Bethan Logan (Hay Hotfooters') held off a fast finishing Laura Lelievre of MonRoss Trailblazers.

The top-two Croft finishers were supported by a best ever 10th place from Roxy Woodfield to take the team honours.

Croft were convincing winners of the women's team title with a 53 points margin over second placed Builth with Maldwyn Harriers third.

The men's race held over a longer (6.8 miles) course, proved to be a much more closely contested affair with just five seconds separating the top three runners at the finish.

Hereford Couriers' latest recruit Jonathan Barnes set the early pace as the runners negotiated the early first stiff ascent and built a sizeable lead.

James stormed into the lead in the later stages until he was able to relax on the gradual downhill finish track to register a glorious race win.

Just a few metres behind, Barnes then became involved in a lung-bursting long sprint finish with a resolute Oliver Perratt and just held him off in a blistering finale.

Perratt's consistent performances throughout the season was rewarded by being crowned as league champion for the first time.

Maldwyn Harriers were the top team on the day with Hereford Couriers being the first Herefordshire team home in second place.

Builth took the team title with a 33 point lead over Maldwyn Harriers, with Croft Ambrey just elbowing out Wye Valley Runners by five points to take third and top Herefordshire team.