Croydon Harriers got 2011 underway with a solid showing at Surrey cross-country championships at Lloyd Park on Saturday, writes Matthew Kiernan.

The hosts enjoyed eight individual top 25 finishes throughout the age groups, with Peter Chambers providing the best result of the day.

The Trinity pupil completed the four mile course in 26 minutes, 32 seconds to claim fourth and finish just outside the podium in the U17 mens' category.

Patrick Lucas claimed 10th in the U15 boys' event, covering the 2.5mile course in 15.16.

He was ably supported by Joshua Haasz (17th, 15.49), Harvey Stainthorpe (25th, 16.23) and Kartik Iyer (39th, 17.21), with the scoring quartet placing fifth in the team race.

More pleasing results in the equivalent girl’s race came courtesy of Holly Haile (18th, 18.14) and Stevie Lawrence (23rd, 18.40) over the same distance.

Under 13s Rob Spalding (16th, 15.23) and Omar Harhara (18th, 15.29) also impressed in their two mile event.

Elsewhere, Josie Kavanagh, Abbie Burrett, Ellie McCormack and Cora Sexton packed well on their debuts in the championships, finishing ninth in the U13 girls' team standings.

In the championship’s showpiece event, Croydon’s senior men were spearheaded by David White.

The 23 year-old eventually covered the 7.5mile course in 46.11 to finish 30th, despite being forced to stop and regroup after losing a shoe in the treacherous conditions on the opening lap.

The squad went onto place 11th, with Robbie Powell (65th, 49.33), Colin Oxlade (95th, 51.31), David Brown (101st, 52.25), Jaran Finn (122nd, 54.37) and Julian Dillow (145th, 57.54) completing the scoring team.

Other results:

Under 13 Boys (2 miles): Joshua Burake (68th, 18.33)

Under 13 Girls (2 miles): Francesca Pringle (74th, 25.58)

Under 15 Boys (2.5 miles): Luke Baker (48th, 18.33)

Under 15 Girls (2.5 miles): Charlotte Cavanagh (29th, 18.58)

Under 17 Men (4 miles): Jack Thoroughgood (24th, 32.03)

Senior Men (7.5miles) : Andy Del Nevo (156th, 59.24), Keith Brown (159th, 59.59), Terry Lapins (166th, 62.35), Norman Hemming (169th, 63.11), Robert Rye (175th, 69.19), Eric Campbell (178th, 87.13)