Fionnuala Britton secures victory in Greenmount event

Fionnuala Britton cruised to a 12-second victory in Saturday's IAAF Antrim Cross Country meeting in Antrim.

The Irish athlete's task was made easier after European U23 champion Jessica Coulson pulled out of the event on the Greenmount course.

Britton won in 18:17 minutes, ahead of Louise Damen and Magdalyne Masai.

Uganda's Thomas Ayeko won the men's race in 33:08, 37 seconds clear of Kenyan David Bett while Britain's Andy Vernon completed the podium places.

Northern Ireland runner Stephen Scullion was fifth while Annadale Striders competitor Eddie Eddie McGinley finished eighth.

Britton was a firm favourite after Coulson, who beat the Irish star in Spain earlier this season, made a late withdrawal.

Ireland's Linda Byrne was fourth, followed by Kenyan Eunice Kales and Freya Murray-Ross of Scotland.