Stawell Amateur Athletic Club teenager Karl Scott notched up an impressive third win for the season when he stormed home to grab a last minute victory in last Saturdays Barham Insurance Handicap.
Held over an 8km bushland course, the 21 strong senior field was put to the test by the rough and slippery conditions. Karl Scott set off well from his mid field mark, reeling in the front markers with several kilometres to go, but Bob Freeland still held a narrow lead.
Patrick Ellis and backmarker Ray Scott were also closing in fast. With less than 1km to go, Karl Scott lifted the pace on the downhill run to the finish, his long loping stride covering the ground too quickly for Freeland, who had to settle for second place.
Patrick Ellis was pushed hard to hold onto third placing by the fast finishing Ray Scott, who posted the best race time of 31min 2sec. Susie Ellis was the quickest female in a time of 34min 30sec.
A small field of junior runners tackled an undulating 2km course, with Alice Torpy claiming her first race win for the season. Naomi Jamieson came in second with Nat Watson third.
Fastest race times went to Thomas Blair with 8min 10sec and Emily Parnaby with the quickest girls time of 9min 10sec.
The juniors also had the option to continue on for another 2km to make up a 4km race, as a re-run of the Charlie Jones Handicap cancelled earlier this year.
Thomas Blair put in a good run to take first place, from Nat Watson second, and Alice Torpy third.
Thomas Blair recorded the fastest time for the 4k with 16min 53sec. Emily Parnaby was the fastest girl in 19min 39sec.
The sub-juniors also ran the 2km course, with Tobias Blair being pushed hard to hold off a late charge from Stacey Faravoni. Blair scored the win with Faravoni second.
Backmarker Liam Scott came through the field to grab third place, and fastest race time of 9min 13sec. Stacey Faravoni clocked the quickest girls time of 9min 48sec.