Hercules Wimbledon men will be aiming to maintain their good start to the Sweatshop Surrey Cross Country League campaign in Lloyd Park, Croydon, on Saturday.

Hercules are currently fourth in their division, giving them a good chance of promotion.

"There is absolutely no reason why we cannot get into a promotion position," said cross country secretary Pete Mulholland.

"But, it can only be done if everyone turns out and supports the team.

"There was an excellent turnout for the second match on Epsom Downs, but some potential low points scorers were missing and we need them to enable us to make a proper impact."

Dereje Kebede, who won the opening two league matches, will be spearheading the Hercules team in Lloyd Park, Croydon, fresh from his impressive win in Epsom Oddballs' Perch 2000 multi-terrain race on Epsom Downs.

The Ethiopian-born runner, 22, chopped 91 seconds off the old record, storming home in 32 minutes 13 seconds, more than three minutes ahead of the second runner.

Hercules lead the joint U17 and U15 section and will once again be looking for Rutlish schoolboy Alex Bodin, who won the last race on Epsom Downs, to set the pace.

Hercules will also have runners in action in the final Surrey Ladies League fixture at Lloyd Park.

Teenager Imogen Stoddart, who had a good run in the opening race on Epsom Downs last October, hopes to be back after flu forced her to miss the last race.

January 29, 2003 10:00