FORWARD planning and attention to detail paid dividends for wily Dan Moore as he retained his British & Irish Masters Cross-Country title over the weekend.

The 46-year-old from St Anne's kept a firm grip on his over-45s crown with an assured performance, staying on his feet while others floundered in the cloying mud of Singleton Park, in Swansea.

"I raced on this course two years ago when just a handful of us bothered to turn up for a Gwent League match," said Moore, who competes for Bristol & West AC.

"It was the worst course I have ever run around but at least I knew what I was in for and I prepared accordingly. Others turned up and got quite a surprise!"

Moore actually finished eighth overall in the event and led the England over-45s squad to team gold to round off a terrific day.

"I was dreading defending my title because I had nothing to gain and everything to lose, so I am really pleased with my run," added Moore.

Moore was the second local runner to finish with Clevedon AC's 40-year-old Julian Emery, making his international debut, sixth overall to help England win team gold in the over-40s age category.

"That was the toughest race I have ever done," said Emery. "I put absolutely everything into it and had nothing left at the end."

● Finishing seventh, Billy Sheppard helped Clevedon AC's senior men to the runners-up spot in the team contest at the second Gloucestershire Cross-Country League, at Blackbridge, Gloucester. Nick Page, Paul Bird, Alan Baker, Stuart Hancock and Mike Richards completed the scoring.

In the young athletes' races, Westbury Harriers' Felix McGrath was third in the Under-15s boys' race while clubmate Will Massey was fourth in the Under-17s event.

Callum Hannay led the North Somerset AC squad, also including Kody Mortimer and Andrew Golledge, to victory in the Under-13s boys' race.

In the girls' races, Yate's Louise Baker was third in the Under-13s with Westbury's Poppy Thompson fifth, while Iris McNeil finished sixth in the Under-15s.

Westbury Harriers novice girls performed well and remain in a strong position to win a team medal after Erin Whalin finished seventh, Emma Taylor 16th and Evie Fyfe Williams 18th.

● Bristol & West AC's Lisa Newing was third in the Wimborne 10 miles race and the Bitton Road Runners' squad of Lynette Porter, Helen Hinsley and Janet Brown were second in the women's team event. Bitton were using the race as one of their club's 'Race of Eight' series and the top male runner was Wayne Ellis in 23rd.

● Weston AC's Phillipa Stevens won the Cornish Marathon in a time of 3hrs 15mins 22secs.

● Bristol & West AC newcomer Rhys Park was second and sister Annasley fourth in the McCain UK Cross Challenge Series in Gateshead, while Robert Galt also had a strong run in the Under-17s event.

● The Bristol Schools' Cross Country Championships will be held at Bristol Grammar School's sports ground, in Failand, today (2pm). North Somerset Schools host their championships at Blaise Castle at 2pm tomorrow.