KIYA Dee can take a well-earned rest this week after securing a golden finale to an outstanding cross-country season.

The 14-year-old member of Highworth Running Club can take enormous pride and satisfaction in helping England win the team title at the British & Irish Schools’ Cross Country Championships in Ireland last weekend.

Just seven days after winning the England title in Leeds, Dee travelled to Dublin for the climax of the season and her second appearance in an England vest.

Seventh last year, Dee again showed how much she has improved with a terrific second place just behind her England team-mate Holly Weedall, who had finished fourth in Leeds.

With their next four scorers finishing fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, England easily won the team title after scoring 25 points, with Scotland a distant second on 68 points, Wales third with 122 and Ireland scoring 127 for fourth.

“I feel really honoured to run for my country again this year,” said Dee.

“To finish the season with team gold for England and an individual silver was the perfect end to a successful season. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

In contrast to the muddy and hilly course at Leeds the previous weekend, Dublin offered flatter and drier conditions that certainly suited Weedall more than Dee.

Jason Campbell, who coaches Dee at Highworth Running Club, said: “Kiya started steady and gradually increased her pace after half-way.

“Holly was in her sights at the finish and Kiya was closing her down with every stride to finish just two seconds behind.

“If the course had been just another 150 metres longer, then Kiya would have taken Holly.”

The pair are sure to enjoy further duels in the future, but for now, Dee can reflect on a brilliant weekend.