Henrietta Freeman came out on top for the second time in a month when she beat Julie Mitchell in the Sussex Cross Country League at Crawley.

The two clashed in the Phoenix Road Races earlier this month when Freeman, a triathlete, had a few seconds in hand on the former Sussex champion.

Freeman, who lives in Eastbourne, stuck with Mitchell when she tried to push the pace and was nearly 100m clear at the finish.

She said: "I am working hard with Glen Cook at Eastbourne. Training is going well and I am planning to do several cross country races this winter as well as fitting in the swimming and cycling training.

"I am having to work hard at my running but it is coming along well and I am determined to make the Great Britain team for the World Cross Country championships in March."

A clash with Caroline Hoyte, currently the top Sussex distance runner, is eagerly awaited.

Fiona Clark (Crawley), winner of the first race at Goodwood in October, ran well to take third, overhauling Eastbourne veteran Sarah Coope, who faded after staying with the leaders in the early stages.

Crawley's Paul Rodgers won the men's race by 50m from the fast-finishing Joel Kidger.

Brighton and Hove's Mike Buss was third and clubmate Nigel Gates, returning to competition after a long lay off through injury, took fourth.

Brighton and Hove won the team event with 36 points, from Crawley (91) and Phoenix, minus any of their A team runners, trailed off another 100 points adrift.

More than 300 runners competed in dry and warm conditions.