HAMPSHIRE'S Helena Tobin had an excellent run to finish fourth senior woman in the 22nd Cross International in Countances, France.

Tobin, older sister of Southampton University's rising 400 metres star Robert, edged out Romania's Itiana Fugigi for fourth behind Kenyan winner Esther Maina. It was an improvement on her fifth place last year.

Winchester's Emily Lowndes was next Hampshire woman home in 16th, followed by Diane Byrne in 22nd and Jo Plumbley in 35th.

Those performances combined installed them as third team.

Hampshire's cadets were the toast of the county's boys' contingent, finishing top team on the day. Josh Bliss spearheaded the assault in top spot and Tom Wade (2nd), Chrissie De Mouilpied (3rd) and Joe Wade (4th) ensured blanket coverage of the leading places. James Teuten was 12th and Alex Simmons 21st.

Mark Challen and Chris Blow came home first and second in the minimes garcons age-group, while Alex Wall-Clarke, Ollie Williams and Craig Williams recorded fourth, fifth and sixth places for the junior men.

In the youngest girls' age-group, Laura Coxhead marked her Hampshire debut with victory while fellow debutante Olly Berry was second.

One age-group up, in the minimes filles section, Hannah Vosser - another debutant - was fourth in a very competitive race.

For the cadettes, Team Southampton's Louise Webb won, with clubmate Charlotte Benning third. Michelle Hallett was fourth and Jodie Bowers tenth, guaranteeing Hampshire the team trophy.

Polly Kean won the junior women's race, backed by Sacha Mucci (2nd), Lucy Bowers (3rd) and Dominique Mucci (6th) to clinch another team award.