Adam Bowden's sixth consecutive course victory was the highlight as Harrow Athletics Club began the defence of its Chiltern cross-country League with a hard fought win at Cassiobury Park, Watford, on Saturday, writes Tony Bush.

The 26-year-old British steeplechase champion does much of his training on this hilly, woodland circuit and he led for most of the way to win by some 200 metres. Matt Addison and Dave Branfoot were also impressive, finishing fourth and sixth respectively in the warm autumn sunshine.

The evergreen Julian Critchlow, 46, placed 16th in the 300-strong field and was first in the veteran (Over 40) category. Damian Nevins, Peter Norris, skipper Mohammed Rahim and Jim Cooper were all in the top 23 as Harrow recorded an 80-point triumph over a strong Bedford outfit.

Matt Lewis was Harrow's top performer in 14th spot, as the club took sixth place in the under-17 category. Andrew Holliman finished 20th in the under-15s, while Lewis Hawkins (12th) and Oliver Hurcom (13th) led Harrow to fifth team position in the under-13s. A f ine run by Jamie Cohen gave him eighth spot and led Harrow to third place in the under-11 event.

The impressive Sky Draper dominated the Under 13 girls' event to record a clear victory, leading Harrow to sixth spot. Leigh Lattimore opened the defence of her under-20 title with a second place finish, helping Harrow to third team position.

Schae Antoine also ran well, taking fifth place in the under-15 race, while Annie Flynn led home the Harrow contingent in the under-11 event, taking 35th spot. Harrow's turnout was a near record 76 athletes, which augers well for the rest of the season. * It was a similar story for Queens Park Harriers, who enjoyed their best senior turnout for years at the Apex Sports Chiltern League meeting at Watford's Cassiobury Park last Saturday.

Brendan Green was the first Harrier home in a time of 32.11, placed 41st out of a field of 336. Debutante Michale Dmitrzak was the second Harrier over the line in 33.25, finishing 53rd overall.

The third-, fourth- and fifth-placed Harriers were Andy Angus (37.01), Johnathon Ainsworth, (37.12) and Richard Davis (40.37) respectively.

Former junior runner James Walerych came home sixth in 41.31, while another debutante, C O'Malley, finished in a respectable 45.02.

Harriers compete in the Liddiard Cross Country Trophy at Kingsbury on October 25.