SOUTHAMPTON Athletics Club recorded a win double in the final race of the RR10 Summer Series.

Matthew Bennett took the honours in the men’s race and his Southampton AC clubmate Ellie Monks was first woman home.

Bennett crossed the line at IBM Hursley’s sports ground well ahead of the rest of the 420-strong field.

But he was unable to stop Totton’s Nick Buis claiming his third overall title in as many years.

Buis, who was dominant in the early season races and had an unassailable lead at the top prior to the series’ finale, finished in third place behind Bennett in the 4.2mile race, with Bennett’s Southampton AC clubmate Stephen Simpson splitting the two in second place.

Having the first two home at IBM Hursley cemented Southampton’s position at the top of the standings in the men’s team competition.

Stubbington Green fell just short in their late bid to snatch the title from Southampton. The women’s race – and indeed the entire women’s season – was all about one woman: Southampton AC runner Monks.

The up-and-coming star, who had the title wrapped up with three races to go, won easily at IBM Hursley to record her fifth race victory of the season.

Past series winner Valerie Sesto (New Forest Runners) was second on the night and she had some solace with the fact her New Forest team were crowned women’s team champions for the third year running.

The overall age group winners were Sonia Rushby, Jane Morgan, Penny Forse, and Ann Bruce-Low for the women and Andy Simpson, Jon Osman, Martyn West and Mike Clarke for the men.

RR10 Series joint founders Hardley Runners are hosting the first half marathon of this autumn on September 28.

Entries for this Road Race League event can be found at hardleyrunners.co.uk