WYE Valley Runners swept the board when the major honours were awarded in the 2017 Herefordshire Summer Off Road League.

They won the team trophy for the sixth successive year, while Sam Mayglothling and Laura Tootell were victorious in the individual stakes.

The final race in the series was organised by Croft Ambrey Running Club and held on the varied and scenic two lap course at Shobdon Court.

And it was Hereford Couriers' Matt James who again dictated the pace from the start.

He soon galloped away from his rivals to build a substantial lead on his solo run and was able to relax and celebrate in style as he stormed down the stately tree-lined avenue from Shobdon Arches to the finish line to win by almost a minute. Wye Valley's Steve Flowers produced his best ever league performance as he worked his way through the field to take second place.

A series long close battle between Croft Ambrey's Mark Lamonby and Mayglothling was repeated in the final race, with Mayglothling again just prevailing.

He was rewarded for his consistency throughout the series by being crowned the Summer League champion for the first time.

In the women's race, Tootell made her usual judicious start as Croft Ambrey's Irina Dale set the initial pace.

But in her characteristic assured manner she began to assert her authority as the runners sped through the stunning arboretum section of the course on the first lap.

As Dale felt the effects of her early efforts and began to fade, it was her Croft Ambrey team mate Emma Morris who took up the challenge to the Wye Valley star.

The sprightly Tootell had by then built a significant lead, however, and strode home confidently for her third successive victory and 35th place overall.

Her impressive performances throughout the series resulted in her being crowned league champion for the second time.

Wye Valley again dominated the team competition with Tootell and Flowers strongly supported by Peter Nugent in ninth place, Jeremy Jehan in 10th, Lea Wood in 11th and Maria Miles 59th.

Croft Ambrey finished a close second with Morris (37th), Dale (44th) and Lamonby (fourth) backed by Stacey Morgan in 5th, Dave George in 18th and Neil Powell in 20th.

An improving Monross Trailblazers finished in third for the second successive race thanks to good runs from Gavin Jones (sixth), Andy Stephens (seventh), Luke Gray (eighth), Dan Gray (14th), Laura Lelievre (55th) and Vanessa Ball (107th).

After narrowly being beaten in the first race by Croft Ambrey, Wye Valley proceeded to dominate the rest of the series and were crowned worthy champions, with Croft Ambrey 64 points adrift in second and Ludlow Runners a distant third.

Individual medals were awarded to the first the runners in each age-group.

The Herefordshire Cross Country League kicks off in October with dates and venues to be announced soon.