TIM Iveson claimed a dramatic win in the penultimate race of the 2017/18 Herefordshire Cross Country League.

The Builth Wells R.C. member overtook Hereford Couriers' Barry Reynolds with just few hundred metres to go to win the race by just two seconds.

Reynolds, competing in only his second league racer, was at the head of the breakaway group after three laps of the Rotherwas course, with Iveson and Andy Salt in hot pursuit.

As the race progressed, the contenders gradually lost touch as Reynolds continued to set an unrelenting pace with just Iveson remaining in his slipstream.

The two remained locked in battle until Iveson managed to win.

Reynolds' team mate, Matt James, held on for third place ahead of Jonny Pugh.

Wye Valley Runners triumphed in the team race despite not having any finishers at the head of the field.

They were led home by Sam Mayglothling in eighth place and he was well supported by Christian Jones in 10th, Steve Flowers (11th) and Jeremy Jehan (17th).

Reynolds' and James' strong runs helped to secure second place for a revitalised Hereford Couriers, with Tim Taylor in 22nd and Ross Cameron 24th providing backup.

This solid performance gives Wye Valley a slender six point lead over reigning champions Maldwyn Harriers with just one race remaining.

Meanwhile, Croft Ambrey R.C.'s Gemma Mallett destroyed the opposition in the women's competition as she stamped her authority on the race from the start.

With another impressive display of controlled front running, Mallett was never seriously challenged as she coasted home for her second successive victory.

Behind her, the minor places swapped hands throughout the race with Rhayader's Jo Rees finally overtaking Wye Valley's Laura Tootell in the closing stages to complete the top three.

The contest for team honours between Wye Valley and Croft Ambrey remained as tight as ever with the two teams both registering 20 points on the day.

Tootell's third place was backed by Clare Sims in fifth and Becki Ansfield in 12th for Wye Valley, while Mallett's winning run was bolstered by influential and spirited runs from Kelly Bowen (ninth) and Robyn Gore (10th).

Croft Ambrey were awarded first place by virtue of having their complete team home first, which consolidates their lead in the battle for the league title.

The junior races were won by Croft Ambrey's Sam Roberts and Hay Hotfooters' Aderyn Carter.

The final race will be held at Presteigne on Sunday, February 4.