Watford Harriers' Thomas Rayner came seventh in the Under-17 boys’ 6000m at the Hertfordshire Cross Country Championships, despite finishing with what was later diagnosed as a broken leg.

A time of 23.37 saw Rayner claim seventh place, the achievement made all the more remarkable on account of the fact he suffered a fracture 30 metres from the finish line.

The ladies teams impressed most at the championships, held at Verulamium Park in St Albans, with the senior ladies finishing sixth in their competition.

Caroline Whittaker (35.26) took 17th and Angela Trussler (35.42) crossed the line a place behind in 18th. Liza Croft (39.22), Janine Blasi (40.15), Robyn Delivett (41.35), Alison Putko (44.48) and Andrea Harris (45.51) all contributed to the team effort.

Grace Ingles maintained her impressive recent run of form by winning the Under-13 3000m in a time of 11.23. Team-mate Hannah Trotman came 11th in a time of 12.07.

The Under-11 girls claimed sixth place, with Sabina Jansen (6.34) leading the team home in 13th. Sophie Griffiths (7.01), Charlotte Masters (7.02) and Sophie Harris (7.43) also took part.

Chloe Dearman was the sole Harrier in the Under-20 6000m race, finishing in ninth.

In the men’s competition, James Costella finished tenth in the Under-17 6000m. Whilst in the Under-13 3000m race, Oliver Griffiths took sixth.

The Under-20 men sealed ninth place and were represented by Harvey O’Brart, who came ninth, and Jonathan Horne in 12th.