DANCA Machakova helped Wye Valley Runners retain their Herefordshire Cross Country League title by winning the final event of the 2016/17 season in Presteigne.

Machakova surged away from Gemma Mallett and Amy Fulford to record her first ever league victory, becoming the fourth different female race winner in the series.

Fulford's third-placed finish, combined with her consistency throughout the series, saw her being crowned the individual champion.

Mallett, who had won the previous two races, finished second and was assisted by a battling Kelly Bowen in 11th place and a resurgent Sue Davies in 12th.

Those results meant that Croft Ambrey claimed victory on the day and second overall.

The men's race developed into a straight shoot-out between reigning champion Tim Davies, of Maldwyn Harriers, and Builth's Robin Woods, who was running in his first league series.

Both runners were equal on points and they soon established a break away from the pursuing Andy Salt of Croft Ambrey.

At the summit of the first serious ascent, Woods made an aggressive and ultimately decisive break to create a gap, which he gradually increased to coast home for his first ever league victory.

His performance meant he won the men's individual league title.

Davies may have surrendered his title, but he had the consolation of leading his Maldwyn team to another league success.

Builth Running Club had built up an imposing lead in the previous races, but were unable to field a full team in the final event, leaving the door open for Maldwyn to take advantage.

The Presteigne race provided a first team victory of the series for Wye Valley's men's team, led by Steve Flowers in sixth place.

He was supporter by strong runs from a returning Christian Jones in seventh, plus another significant performance from former six-time league champion Mike Fawcett in 11th and a solid run from Dan Lewis in 12th. This was enough to enable Wye Valley finished second overall, with Hereford Couriers in third.

Presteigne results; Men: 1 Robin Woods (Builth & District RC) 45.02, 2 Tim Davies (Maldwyn Harriers) 45.35, 3 Andy Salt (Croft Ambrey) 45.44, 4 Tom Grady (Hereford Couriers) 48.03, 5 Clive Morgan (Maldwyn Harriers) 48.18; Women: 1 Danca Machakova (Wye Valley Runners) 36.06, 2 Gemma Mallett (Croft Ambrey RC) 36.38, 3 Amy Fulford (Ludlow Runners) 37.25, 4 Nicola Davies (Maldwyn Harriers) 37.43, 5 Jo Rees (Rhayader AC) 38.06.

Final team scores (men): 1 Maldwyn Harriers 116pts, 2 Wye Valley Runners 115, 3 Hereford Couriers 112, 4 Monross Trailblazers 105, 5 Builth & District RC 98.

Final team scores (women): 1 Wye Valley Runners 96pts, 2 Croft Ambrey RC 94, 3 Ludlow Runners 92, 4 Hereford Triathlin Club 78, 5 Maldwyn Harriers 75.