THE 2001/2002 Kent Cross Country League titles will be decided in four weeks time when the final races will be held at two different venues. The senior men's league will conclude first with their race on February 16 at Parkwood School, Swanley.

Medway and Maidstone AC do not have any individuals in the top three overall positions but hold potentially winning leads in both team categories. Nick Francis (Cambridge Harriers) is in pole position for the individual trophy but may decide that the UK Inter-Counties Championships and English National Championships, which are scheduled either side of the Swanley match, will require his full attention.

If Francis decides to forego a first Kent League title in favour of a tilt at national honours Roy Smith (Blackheath Harriers) and Huw Evans (Tonbridge AC) are waiting in the wings to profit from his absence. New recruit, Andy Thomas is just ahead of current holder, Gareth Williams, for Medway and Maidstone with Michael Whittaker handily placed for Ashford AC.

Current positions: 1 A Francis (Cambridge H) 5 points, 2 R Smith (Blackheath H) 11, 3 H Evans (Tonbridge) 15, 4 A Thomas (Medway and Maidstone) 20, 5 G Williams (Medway and Maidstone) 23, 6 M Whittaker (Ashford AC) 26.

Teams: 1 Medway and Maidstone 274, 2 Blackheath Harriers 267, 3 Ashford AC 255, 4 Cambridge Harriers 244, 5 Medway and Maidstone B 237, 6 Tonbridge AC 234.

Duodec teams: 1 Medway and Maidstone 60, 2 Tonbridge AC 57, 3 Blackheath Harriers 53.

SENIOR WOMEN

The senior women's league will be decided on February 17 at Sandyacres Sports Field, Ashford, where Jennie Butler of Blackheath Harriers should clinch the individual title.

Medway and Maidstone's Jenny Harnett is closely matched with Ashford's Helen Wheeler for the runners-up awards. Alyson Parlett (Bexley) is a clear leader in the separate veterans category.

With a lead of four points over Blackheath Harriers in the team event, Medway and Maidstone are confident of overall victory to match the exploits of the senior men.

Current positions: 1 J Butler (Blackheath H) 4pts, 2 H Wheeler (Ashford) 8, 3 J Harnett (Medway and Maidstone) 9.

Veterans: 1 A Parlett (Bexley) 19, 2 C Bond (Cambridge H) 33, 3 E Batty (Invicta) 48.

Teams: 1 Medway and Maidstone 32, 2 Blackheath Harriers 28, 3 Tunbridge Wells Runners 24, 4 Ashford AC 24, 5 Kent AC 23, 6 Cambridge Harriers 20.