Fletcher Hart continued his recent excellent form with another impressive performance at the opening fixture in the British Athletics Cross Challenge in Cardiff.

The Swindon Harrier, coached by John Dill, finished seventh in the under 17 men's 5.56k race around Llandaff Fields.

That was easily Fletcher's best result in the Cross Challenge Series and was a big improvement on his 23rd place at the same event a year ago.

Fletcher's top ten finish came as little surprise after his outstanding run at the Midland Young Athletes Autumn Road Relays last month when he anchored the under 17 men's squad also comprising Josh Burns and Theo Cinnamond to the gold medals.

Running the last stage Fletcher lifted the Harriers from third to the top spot as he clocked the second fastest individual time of the day.

MEANWHILE on the roads the Harriers had a good contingent representing the club at the Great South Run 10 miles road race in Southsea.

Men's road relay team manager Simon Dill clearly enjoys the trip to the south coast. Four years ago he ran his PB of 61:31 on the course but yesterday he smashed that time with 60:41 for 312nd place.

Dill was the second Harrier to finish behind Gary O'Brien. His return wasn't quite as successful as he clocked 59:17, which was two minutes slower than the PB he recorded twelve months ago.

Great South Run 10 miles road race, Southsea – Swindon Harriers: 105 Gary O'Brien 59:17; 312 Simon Dill 60:41 (PB); 430 Darren Davidse 67:35; 6410 Steve Connolly 1:39.29; 6415 Emily Connolly 1:38.30.