GEMMA Holloway was in imperious form as she claimed the Southern Intercounties Cross-Country title at Oxford.

The 17-year-old Thurrock Harrier ran away from the field to win the under-20 women’s race and, in the process, helped lead an Essex squad that included Lydia Hallam (seventh), Katie Solis (11th) and Isabella Woods (33rd) to a team silver.

It was Holloway’s first race against under-20 opposition this winter, having run previously against the seniors in the Essex League races, and it sets her up well for the big championship races on the other side of Christmas.

The only other Essex team to win a medal was the senior women who also took silver, led by Havering’s Lauren Deadman who won the individual race.

Among the Essex medallists was Billericay Striders’ Emma Prideaux who was 27th.

Canvey’s Jodie Judd had an encouraging run in the under-17 women’s race as she cracked the top 10, finishing ninth overall while Victoria Hiscock (Benfleet RC) continued her return to form by finishing 19th, two places ahead of Basildon AC’s Isobel Ives.

The team missed out on bronze medals by an agonising three points.

Benfleet RC’s Sinead Clark performed well to finish 11th in the under-15 women’s race, with Southend AC’s Joanna Rimmington 32nd and Basildon AC’s Niamh Smith 53rd.

Thurrock Harriers youngster Hayley Instance was the first Essex vest home in the under-13 girls race as she came home in 16th position, while in the under-13 boys event, Oliver Lill of Basildon AC ran well for 18th place with Thurrock Harriers’ Harry Parker 32nd.

Southend AC’s Toby Wright ran strongly in the under-15 boys race to finish 16th with Basildon AC’s Mason Webb finishing in 25th.

Three Basildon AC athletes were in the scoring team in the under-17 men’s race: Max Jones (26th), Christian Gray (40th) and Brandon Thorpe (56th).

Southend AC’s Adam Jordan was 61st.