COLCHESTER Rovers riders took part in a double bill of Eastern Cyclocross League racing.

They first battled it out at the Olympic mountain biking venue at Hadleigh Park.

In the under-ten boys' race, Rovers' James Morrison finished sixth, two seconds ahead of seventh-placed William Smith despite a late charge.

Rovers' Daisy Emerson finished a fine second in the girls' race, with Matilda Challinor finishing a well-deserved third.

Phoebe Ollett produced the performance of the day in the under-eight girls' race, winning by more than 30 seconds while the under-12 girls' race saw Chloe Ollett finish an excellent second.

In the Youth race, first-year under-16 rider Oli Partner secured another top-ten finish in what is proving to be a strong season.

Dan Hall was 17th with Oliver Dave-Smith, Jack Emerson and Tom Carson just behind him.

The Vet 40s race ended with a 42nd place for James Emerson who tussled with the conditions but triumphed, bloodied but unbowed at the finish, with extensive damage to his bike.

The following day, Rovers riders competed on the more benign course at the VC Revolution Cross, at Hilly Fields.

In the under-tens race, Smith reversed the tables on Morrison to finish fourth, with an equal time to third-placed Henry Hobbs who edged it by a tyre's width.

Morrison was not far behind in fifth while Gabriel Hammond showed well on his first Rovers outing.

A similar reversal in the girls' race where Challinor secured a comfortable victory, with Emerson edged into third spot.

In the under-eight category, debutant Isaac Starmer led home the boys in first ahead of James Clarke and George Colins.

Phoebe Ollett was third in the under-eight girls, securing another podium finish for the Rovers.

In the under-12s race, Chloe Ollett bagged another second-place finish, with Bradley Taylor top-placed male Rover in 12th.

Oli Partner rode well for 12th place in the Youth race, finishing first Rover ahead of Oliver Dave-Smith, Tom Carson, Aeddan Seaward, Jack Letch, Jack Emerson and Oliver Wellstead.

Jodie Taylor, in her first 'cross race of the season finished as second under-14 girl, a little ahead of sixth-placed Amelia Hopper.

In the Veteran 40+ race, Greg Andrews claimed the bragging rights with his 17th place, ahead of Alex Stepney, Jason Taylor, Andrew Hopper, Chris Seaward, Ian Mansel-Thomas and James Emerson.

The Vet 50+ and Women's race saw a 25th place finish for David Triggs, ahead of David Williams and Peter Hall.

Laura Mansel-Thomas was seventh veteran and debutante Anna Anderson was ninth.