MATTHEW Withey's stock continues to rise after the Stroud and District AC runner was crowned the new English cross country champion in a thrilling race around London's Parliament Hill on Saturday.

Withey, 15, the current UK Cross Challenge leader in the age group, had to battle all the way to the line to hold off North of England Champion Ross Murray (Gateshead Harriers).

Withey, unbeaten through his UK Cross Challenge, league and Midland Champs races since a Gwent League defeat at the start of the season, looked to be well on the way when he took the lead coming out of the wood two-thirds into the race.

But Murray caught him on the last climb with 500m to go and from there, they fought it out stride for stride. However, Withey managed to edge ahead in a thrilling sprint finish.

Withey adds the English crown to this Midland Counties title and will now be looking to complete a hat-trick in the Inter-Counties Championships next month.

Result: 1 M Withey (Stroud) 17:24; 2 R Murray (Gateshead) 17:25; 3 A Ahmed (City of Sheffield) 17:34; 4 D Clorey (Luton) 17:52; 5 S Harding (Tonbridge) 18:00; 6 R Parker (Bedford and County) 18:10; 7 B Coldray (Gloucester) 18:10; 8 A Combs (Tonbridge) 18:10; 9 C Eastaugh (Leamington) 18:11; 10 D Connelly (Liverpool) 18:13.

GEORGE Withey came 50th in a field of more than 500 Under-17 runners. Meanwhile, Tom Curr narrowly missed the podium in fourth place even though he and Thurrock's Anthony Taylor were given the same time.

Curr was followed by team-mates Tom Purnell (33), James Gardner (113) and Jordan Frapwell (313) all performed well.

Sarah Hanley finished in 36th spot in the Under-20 women's and Rachel Felton came in a creditable 17th spot in the senior women's race.