Hercules Wimbledon are in the driving seat after the opening salvo of the East Surrey League at Lloyd Park on Saturday.

They sit on top of the table on 46 points, ahead of Epsom & Ewell Harriers (48), Striders of Croydon (49) and Croydon Harriers (52).

However, Hercules did not have it all their own way as Mike Cummings of Herne Hill Harriers, who sit fifth, was the first through the tape over the five-mile course in 27 minutes 50 seconds.

Leading the way for Hercules was Barnaby Woods (second, 29:39), who was supported by Jonathan Lee (fourth, 29:58), Andrew Davies (15th, 33:04) and Mark Livingstone (35:17).

Epsom & Ewell Harriers boasted the first woman home in Diane Norman (19th, 34:05), alongside Robert Felive (sixth, 31:43), Stuart Flack (ninth, 32:35) and Ben Standage (14th, 32:52).

Carrying the flag for Striders of Croydon were Phil Coales (third, 29:55), Lee Flanagan (seventh, 1:47), Taric Matticks (18th, 34:01) and Greg Williams (21st, 34:56).

Neighbours Croydon Harriers were brought home by Ernie Hann (fifth, 30:37), Alan Burn (11th, 32:35), Neil Aikman (16th, 33:18) and Colin Oxlade (20th, 34:35).

The younger runners from Hercules Wimbledon are emulating their senior counterparts by winning the opening meeting of the youth league meeting over two miles.

They have an 11-point cushion over second placed Sutton & District, for who Ricky Lutakome (10:53) finished first overall.

Hercules were led by Henry Silverstein (second, 11:51), followed by Sam Barker (12:07), Alexander Abraham (eighth, 12:23) and Kajetan Anaicz (12:25).

Sutton’s Lutakome was supported by Jonas Zimmann (seventh, 12:22), Jack Simpson (10th, 12:33) and Luke Ashwood (13:24).

Croydon Harriers finshed third on the day thanks to Omar Harhara (fourth, 11:59), Dane Lawrence (11th, 12:40), Jake Cork (12th, 12:42) and Isaac Flanagan (13th, 12:44).

Alex Gurteen of Epsom & Ewell Harriers finished third in 11:52, with clubmates Jack Simillie (sixth, 12:19), Morgan Morrison (16th, 13:23 and first girl home) and Lauren Flack (33rd, 14:34) guiding the team to fourth overall.

The next meeting takes place on Wimbledon Common on December 5.

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Hercules Wimbledon's Barnaby Woods (954)

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Croydon Harriers Alan Burn (18) and Ernie Hann (21) in action at Lloyd Park

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Sam Knight of Herne Hill Harriers

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Together: Alan Burn (18 - Croydon Harriers), Lee Flanagan (189 - Striders of Croydon), Mark Constantinou (35 - Collingwood) and Anthony Constantinou (34 - Collingwood)

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James Moore (11 - Croydon Harriers) followed by Mark Livingstone (493 - Hercules Wimbledon)

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First home: Mike Cummings of Herne Hill Harriers

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Third: Phil Coales in the colours of Striders of Croydon 

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First woman home: Diane Norman of Epsom & Ewell Harriers

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Marta Ceccuni - Epsom & Ewell Harriers

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Annes Stevens of Herne Hill Harriers