Steve Naylor enjoyed an impressive debut in the English Cross Country Association (ECCA) National Relays at Berry Hill Park, Mansfield on Saturday.

The 33-year-old, from Woodstock, clocked the 15th fastest split of the day as he helped his first-claim club, Bedford & County, finish seventh.

Naylor completed the 5km course in 15mins 37.55secs, clawing back 28 places for his club on leg two.

He said: “I think that may go down as one of my best performances to date.

“It even put me ahead of Olympic 5,000m runner Nick McCormick and GB international James Walsh.

“I laughed in shock when I found that out. I couldn’t believe it.”

Steve Vernon (Stockport) recorded the quickest time of the day with 15.17.55.

A day later, wet and cold conditions greeted athletes taking part in round one of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League at Ascott-under-Wychwood.

James Currah, from Witney Road Runners, finished fifth in the combined under 15/17 boys’ race.

Currah completed the 3.5km course in 18. 27secs, with winner Nathan Gillis (Team Kennet) clocking 17.46.

Frankie Snare (Witney) came 11th in the ladies’ event, completing the 6.5km course in 28mins 21secs.

Snare helped Witney to fourth place in the Division 1 standings, which are led by Headington Road Runners.

James Bolton (Woodstock Harriers) finished in 14th place, clocking 33.26 over the 8.5km route.

Witney’s George Mayer finished ninth in the under 13 boys’ race in 8.22 for the 2km course.