TEVIOTDALE'S Rory Anderson made giant strides on Sunday as he claimed his highest ever finish in the Borders Cross Country Series.

The Hawick athlete chased home international ultra champion Eoin Lennon around the muddy Policies of Galashiels to claim runner-up.

Lennon, who runs for Carnethy, clocked 23.25 minutes for the undulating course.

Anderson was 19 seconds adrift with Cameron Fordyce some 20 seconds further back finishing well to claim third.

The second round the Series attracted 216 starters despite the difficult conditions.

Other local athletes who fared well in the mud were Lauderdale Limper duo Marc Wilkinson in eighth and Dean Whiteford in 15th.

Tim Darlow was first home for the host club, Gala Harriers, in 16th.

Sally Barr from Lauderdale Limpers claimed the women's race in 27.19 minutes.

Rowena Halliday from Dunbar was second with Kirstin Maxwell of Gala Harriers in third.

There was a home one-two in the junior race with Gregor Collins beating his Gala harrier team-mate Ewan Christie by 11 seconds.

Angus Wright from East Lothian was a further six seconds further back in third.

Bridget Harley from East Lothian was first girl, ahead of her team-mate Flora Henry and Gala's Anna Fairclough.

A total of 116 juniors completed the shorter course