Bingley Harriers pulled out the stops to reclaim the men’s title from arch-rivals Leeds City in the Complete Runner Cross-Country League.

In a nail-biting finish to the event, both clubs won two and came second in two of the four matches.

A count-back of all scorers gave Bingley the title by 355 points to 362.

The final race at Guiseley’s Nunroyd Park saw Bingley have their six counters in the top 17. But their next five runners Steve Green, Stephen Broadbent, Steve Bailey, Andy Brown and Aidan Johnson were critical. They pushed the final two Leeds City counters down the list and created the victory on count-back.

The race was won by Holmfirth’s Mark Buckingham in a ferocious sprint over long-time leader Martin Hilton (Leeds City).

Bingley’s Andrew Peace was fifth, with Lee Athersmith holding off club-mates Stewart Macdonald and Richard Harris for eighth. John Convery was first over-45 in 15th, and Tim Midgley final counter in 17th.

Despite the sun, a bitter wind in the home straight exacerbated heavy, muddy conditions underfoot. The traditional course was re-routed with only the small and medium loops operational.

Junior Rebecca Lambson (Skipton), won the senior women’s race and the league title. Keighley & Craven were strongest of the local teams, with Amy Green relishing the conditions, while Helen Glover visibly struggled. They were second to Holmfirth in the final table.

Among the juniors, Spenborough athletes have been prominent all season. Jenny Walsh won the under-17s on Sunday for the third race and took the overall title.

Among the under-15s, Liam Stedman won at Guiseley to pip rivals from Leeds City and Wakefield overall.

Abby-Mae Parkinson won the final two races of the season to take the under-13 title. Ashton Greenwood dominated the under-11 girls.

Home-club Skyrac had impressive performances all season from Amy Francis in the under-11s who was third at Nunroyd, and from Henry Wood in the same age group.

Emile Cairess, second on Sunday, was pick of surprisingly few Bingley juniors. Ilkley Harriers seem to be building strength in depth in the youngest age groups.