A Kingston & Polytechnic Harriers one-two for Scott Evans and Neil Wellard led the club home to the Surrey Men’s Cross Country League Division Three title in remarkable fashion in Croydon on Saturday.

Evans clocked 28 minutes 16 seconds to finish well ahead of Wellard (29:09) in second as Kingston claimed the match with a total of 178 points, thanks to top 10 finishes from James Robertson (31:07, 6th), Tom Pinder (31:23, 8th) and Michael Huntley (32:00, 10th).

Kingston’s efforts meant they moved from third in the table to finish top by just 24 points - ahead of pre-race league leaders Epsom & Ewell in second and third-placed Stragglers - to earn a place in Division Two next season.

"We thought we could sneak second, but we didn't expect to come first," said team manager Matt Hyett.

"It was one of those races where every single person who could, turned out and put in a performance.

"Because we had only eight runners an the last meeting we were deducted some points so we didn't know we had won until later that evening. That phone call came as a nice surprise.

"Scott has won a few matches for us now and Neil - considering he is only 17 years old and an 800m runner - has been great."

Kingston won the Southern Athletics League Division Three South West title in the summer.