TWO of the brightest young stars of British middle distance running set the pace in the opening race of the Lunnons Hampshire Cross Country League series at Farley Mount, Winchester (writes Wendy Gee).

Guest competitor Michael East of City of Portsmouth led the 257-strong senior men's field home in 29 minutes and 23 seconds, with Team Solent's up-and-coming 1500 metres prospect Angus Maclean crossing the line 13 seconds later.

Southampton Road Runners' 1998 European 5000m finalist Rod Finch, who had his track season wiped out by injury, was third in 29.56.

Aldershot, Farnham & District are making the early running in the women's team event after Sarah Bradbury (17.37) and Gemma Greenfield (17.59) pulled off a senior one-two.

The next race in the series is at Prospect Park, Reading on Saturday, November 4.