CHIPPENHAM Harriers runner Paul Gardiner led the field home at the Wiltshire Scramble, organised by Events Logic South West, to bring the curtain down on the eight-race Wiltshire Off-Road Race League series, sponsored by WASP.

The 12-mile course at the Spirthill Trail near Calne was extremely muddy and Gardiner also claimed the award for being the top-male scorer in the League.

Charlotte Bowers, also of Chippenham Harriers, was the first Wiltshire lady across the finishing line and jumped five positions to be crowned the top female scorer in the league as well.

Supported by three men and six ladies ranked in the league’s top-10 highest scorers, it was no surprise that the Division One title went to Chippenham Harriers, ahead of Avon Valley Runners for the second year.

Good runs by David Howe and Dan Kemp, of Calne Running Club, ensured that they took home the Division Two title and, along with Frome Running Club, gained promotion to the top-flight.

Moving in the opposite direction are City of Salisbury A&RC and Calne SMaRTT, who slip down to the second tier for next season, which kicks off in September with the Marlborough Temple Trail Half.

League top scorers - senior men: Paul Gardiner (Chippenham Harriers) 592. MV40: Simon Rawlins (Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds) 576. MV50: Richard Hudson (Avon Valley Runners) 497. MV60: Frank Lamerton (Avon Valley Runners) 430. Senior ladies: Charlotte Bowers (Chippenham Harriers) 599. FV40: Cordula Hurcum (Chippenham Harriers) 586. FV50: Sue Jeddi (Avon Valley Runners) 531. FV60: Rosemary Barber (Avon Valley Runners) 266.

For final league standings, visit www.wiltshire-athletics.org.uk.