SOUTHAMPTON AC’S Alex Teuten was thrilled to finish runner-up in the English National Cross-Country Championships, describing it as "easily my greatest result in sport."

The University of Southampton student finished 14 seconds behind Derby AC’s Ben Connor to mark his transition from England to Great Britain standard.

Connor moved clear to control the race on the final lap at Nottingham's Wollaton Park, leading the field home in 39 minutes and 35 seconds.

Teuten followed him home in 39.49, crossing the line ten seconds ahead of Sam Stabler from Owls AC Leicester - a gap that would have been greater had he not fallen heavily with 400 metres to go.

Tueten, coached by Rod Lock in Southampton, smiled: “The result came as a huge surprise to me.

“It shows how far I’ve come in just two months since I was beaten so convincingly by GB internationals Jonny Taylor and Graham Rush at The Cross Cup International in December.

“I’ve finally made that difficult transition from England standard to GB standard and I hope now I can sustain it and pick up my first GB vest, maybe even on the greatest stage of all at the World Cross-Country next month!

"Conditions for the race were tough, really muddy, and I was lucky to have had a sizeable lead on third as, with 400m to go, I had a heavy fall.

"However I was able to pick myself up and make it to the line without losing much time, but I had my heart in my mouth at that point!

"This is easily my greatest result in the sport, but, having come so close, I think I will be disappointed if I don't finish my career with the National title now. It's something to aim towards in the coming years, among with my other objectives."

Teuten’s Southampton clubmate Jamie Knapp also excelled at Nottingham, finishing 20th among quality company in 40.55.