OPENING-DAY winner Angus Maclean was otherwise engaged for the second round of the Hampshire Cross-Country League series at Goodwood Race Course near Chichester.

Team Southampton's 1500 metres track specialist chose instead to run in the Reebok Challenge in Birmingham, where he finished 38th senior man.

In Maclean's absence, Southampton's newly-launched club still had a highly satisfying day with the under-15 boys and girls each managing thirds in their respective team events.

The girls were helped to their fine finish by Louise Webb, who won the under-15 race.

In the senior women's race, Heather Buckingham again performed well on a challenging course to finish fifth and there was also a good run from Alex Wall-Clarke, who was fifth under-20 man.

The club are sending eight teams to the National Cross Country Relays in Mansfield this weekend.

TEAM SOUTHAMPTON'S WEEKEND RESULTS:

Hampshire Cross-County League, Goodwood

Under-13 boys - team 7th: Martin Nottingham 17th, Harry Fisher 24th, Aaron Benett 26th, George Whelan 27th, John Hall 30th, Matt Pelligrini 39th, James Whitcher 58th, Joe Whelan 64th.

Under-15 boys - team 3rd: Scott Legg 12th, Renato Veraj 15th, Scott Gallant 17th, Chris Densis 20th, Peter Batten 21st, Jamie Knapp 22nd, David Goodwin 30th, Matt Slade 36th.

Under-17 men - team 4th: Russell North 7th, Oliver Williams n/s 9th, Adam Justice 16th, Chris Hamp 19th, John Slade 17th.

Under-13 girls - team 9th: Laura Coxhead 9th, Alice Burford 36th, Stephanie Oland 58th.

Under-15 girls - team 3rd: Louise Webb 1st, Michelle Hallett 12th, Katrina Brace 28th, Rio Brookes Gibb 30th, Kay Shafford 31st.

Under-20 women: Claire Gallant 10th

Senior women - team 5th: Heather Buckingham 5th

Sam Stewart 33rd, Debbie Hallett (vet) 79th, Rachael Lewington 94th, Anuska Johnstone 102nd.

Under-20 men: Alex Wall-Clarke 5th.

Senior Men - team 8th: Owen Jones 8th, Tim Wright 41st, RichardDrew 46th, Gareth Klepacz 74 n/s, John MacInnes (vet) 190.

Reebok Challenge Birmingham

Rebecca Gough 3rd (under-15 girls), Laura Brenton 13th (under-20 women), Angus McClean 38th (senior men), John Beattie 47th - (senior men).