Sarah Mercier placed seventh in the junior girls race. (0697767)

THE GIAAC’s FirstRand junior endurance squad had another successful day at the Hampshire Cross-Country League in Reading’s Prospect Park on Saturday.

Best performance of the day came from George Mason, who led the under-13 boys’ team to third with a fine fourth individual place.

Claire Heaume improved one place on her last league performance in the under-13 girls, with an excellent fifth and Nicole Petit also showed good form in the under-15 race just one week before the county championships to finish sixth.

Will Bodkin had a cautious start on his return to full racing after illness in the under-17 men’s race, but moved through well in the second half to finish a creditable 11th.

Less lucky was Ben Cuddihee in the under-15 boys, also returning from illness.

He was well up in third place when a slight strain in the groin tightened and caution was the better part of valour with the more important county championships next week.

Luke Bisson continued his run of good form in 14th place.