THURROCK Harriers’ over-50 men’s squad won a bronze medal at the Essex Veteran’s Cross-Country Championships at Hainault.

The team was led by Don Lawless who had his best race for many a year to finish seventh in what is arguably the strongest over-50 age group in the country.

Ever-reliable Jon Metcalf put a strong shift in for 23rd spot while Mick Bumstead defied the pain from his Achilles tendon and hobbled into 34th place which was enough for the Harriers to pip Billericay Striders for the bronze medals.

Bumstead also picked up a bronze medal behind Woodford’s Dave Cox and Ilford’s Andy Catton in the 60-plus section.

In the same race Bernie Johnson was plum in the middle of the field in 52nd spot – a season’s best race.

Pat Dobbs won the gold medal in the 70-plus section – he must have lost count of how many county golds he has now won. Bumstead hasn’t – he has won 50!

Disappointingly in the 40-plus section, only two Harriers supported the event.

Former runner-up Scott Rice had a steady run to finish 14th. Overcoming a first lap fall Keith Willett did well to finish 40th.

Jodie Farrell had a fine run to finish 19th in the ladies 94-strong field and seventh seventh in the FV45 race.

Cross-country is not Victoria Peacock’s favourite surface but she battled away to finish 29th.