RAYMOND GRAHAM, Star Writer

TANICE Barnett and Kirk Brown were the top female and male athletes at last Saturday's National Cross Country Championships, which was held in Mandeville, at the Manchester Golf Club.

Barnett, who has been in brilliant form all season, with impressive wins in several road races, once again dominated with another win over her rivals. She was the first female to cover the six-kilometre event, clocking 25 minutes 02 seconds for the win. Brown, who has also been in good form this season was the best male in the eight-kilometre event where he won with a time of 26:31.

Competing at the same site where the NACAC Cross Country Championships will be held on January 26 next year, Barnett, who has represented the country in the past at those Championships, had no problem in topping her rivals. There were also encouraging signs from Holmwood Technical schoolgirl Sherene Whyte, who finished second behind Barnett in a good 25:13. Mavis Bank's Dannielle James was third with a 25:36 clocking.

With defending champion Shawn Pitter not competing in the 8K event for men, Brown took the opportunity to go one place higher than last year by topping the event.

Rupert Green was second in 26:34, while last year's third-place finisher, Damion Bent, finished third again in 26:52.

Holmwood Technical's Shanieke Watson and Munro College's Herbert Thomas were the best junior female and male athletes in their respective categories. Competing in the four-kilometre event for females, Watson recorded 15 minutes 52 seconds for the win, getting the better of the St Jago High duo of Monique McPherson (16:09) and Roshae Burrell (16:11).

Thomas was the top in the six-kilometre event, as he was timed in 20:30. Holmwood Technical's Obrian Fith was second in 20:43, as Kingston College's Shane Buchanan grabbed third place with 20:56.