Phil Wicks was the man to beat once again in the third 2XU Surrey Cross Country League race of the season at Ham Lands on Saturday.

The Belgrave Harriers runner, crowned Surrey champion the previous week, led home 186 runners to win the 10km race in 27 minutes, 19 seconds.

Paul Rogers, of Reigate Priory, was second (27:33), with Thames Hare & Hounds’ James McMullan third (27:44).

There was a close race for fourth, with Belgrave’s Paskar Owor (27:57) and Hercules Wimbledon pair Alex Bruce-Littlewood (27:57) and Liam White (27:58), the first U20 finisher, coming in together.

Although their first finisher was Chris Busaileh in seventh, it was another successful day for Herne Hill Harriers, who should regain their league title in the final match of the season at Putney Vale on February 12.

Joe Morwood, Alan Barnes and Jonny Henderson filled the next three places for Herne Hill, who stretched their lead over reigning champions Thames Hare & Hounds to more than 100 points.

Merhawi Yemane won the U15/U17 boys’ race and Paul Burgess the boys’ U13 race, leading Herne Hill to team victories in both events.

Meanwhile, Herne Hill’s Katie Snowdon won the women’s U17 race as the club gained another team success.

The senior women’s race was won by Thames Hare & Hounds’ Lucy McAllister (27:54), from South London Harrers’ Natalie Harvey (27:58) and Dulwich Runners’ Claire Elms (28:39).

With nearest rivals South London Harriers managing only the fifth team place on the day, Thames look well placed to clinch the Division One title in next month’s final match.

Ranelagh Harriers men scored their third straight victory in Surrey Men’s League Division Two at Newlands Corner, near Guildford.

They now hold a 139-point lead over nearest rivals Clapham Chasers and are almost certain to secure promotion in their final race at Richmond Park on February 12.

They were led to victory by 20-year-old orienteering international Marc Snaith.