ALEX Pilcher won his first Derbyshire cross country title – and then expressed regret that six-times champion Jon Gilby had missed out.

Gilby, winner of the last five county titles, had been on holiday in New Zealand for the original date of the championships, January 10.

They were postponed because of bad weather and only entries for the original date were accepted for the re-run at Markeaton Park.

"It was awesome to win my first Derbyshire cross country title but bitter-sweet, given that Jonny didn't run – although I did tell myself to grab the opportunity!" said Pilcher, who was 25 a week before the race.

"I knew the policy was that those who hadn't originally entered the snowed-off race wouldn't be able to run.

"But I had hoped they would let Jonny – and others entering late – in, given the diluted entries originally."

The ruling means that Derbyshire will also be without key man Gilby for the Inter-Counties Championships in March, since the county championships is the qualifying event.

Pilcher also thinks that this rule needs looking at.

"Maybe, for the Inter-Counties, they should save two or three discretionary places for those that are unable to contest the counties but would have made the team and would be a valuable contribution to the team," he said.

"However, you could argue that those that run deserve a place in the team. Whatever the decision is should be made clear."

Beyond the controversy, however, few could begrudge popular Derby AC stalwart Pilcher his first county title.

He was given a real battle by Clowne Road Runners veteran Andy Ward, before clinching a win by four seconds in 31 minutes 58 seconds over the 10,000m course.

"Andy Ward made me work for it," said Pilcher.

"We pushed the pace from the outset. I struggled to steal a march on him but I dug deep with half a lap to go, gaining a 10m lead, and hung on for the finish line.

"Markeaton Park seems to suit me. I have won the North Midlands league race there a number of times."

Ward had the consolation of the veterans' title, while, in third place, Derby AC multi-eventer Tom Bishop took the under-20 title.

Back in 15th place, Long Eaton Running Club's Rob Fox was the first of the over-50s as his club took the team prize.

There was a stirring run from Ben Connor to take the under-17 men's title over 6000m.

Connor is regaining his best form again towards the end of the winter, which bodes well for the outdoor season and he finished 38 seconds ahead of Derby AC club-mate Josh Bull, with the third of the their currently-dominant trio of young middle distance runners, Niall Maguire, third.

The under-20 women's race was predictably dominated by Amber Valley AC flyer Tamara Armoush, with Lori Marshall (Chesterfield College), in second, taking the under-17 prize.

Two boys from Yorkshire-based clubs dominated the under-15 race, with Thomas Bains (Hallamshire Harriers) finishing comfortably ahead of Nicholas Myers (Rotherham Harriers), but the girls' under-15 title saw a cracking battle between two of Derby AC's promising youngsters over a 4000m course.

Valeska Wills eventually edged out Kirsty Shipman by one second.

The under-13 category saw both titles taken home by Amber Valley runners, Jethro McGraw, for the boys, and Molly Mee, for the girls.

The under-11s ran over 1500m, with John Webster (Matlock AC) and Niamh Emerson (Amber Valley AC) taking the two titles.