Steve Frear romped to victory in stormy conditions as the Oxford Mail Cross Country League got under way at a wet and windy Ascott-under-Wychwood on Sunday.

The Woodstock Harrier clocked 31mins 17secs to see off nearest rival Darrell Bellinger by 20 seconds to get off to a flying start in the 2009-10 season.

But despite Frear’s display, it was not a great start for Woodstock in the men’s team competition as they finished last in Division 1.

There was better news for Woodstock’s senior women’s team, however, who finished third in Division 2.

They were led home by Sharron Sheppard, who clocked 27.36 to finish third in the vet 35 ladies’ category and ninth overall.

Witney’s juniors were out in force, Fabia Gomm leading home the under 11 girls in 25th place.

Josephine Marinho finished 25th and Jessica Barker 44th.

Josh Rhodes was 13th in the under 11 boys’ race, with Matthew Lock finishing 37th.

In the under 13 boys’ event, James Currah clocked 7.32 and Henry Macke was 15th in 8.59.

Josh Ridley crossed the line in third and Stuart Jones 14th in the under 17 boys’ race, clocking imp-ressive times of 18.20 and 19.33 respectively.