Luton AC’s John McDonnell put in a brave effort to become part of the British U23 team that competes in Budapest in December.
Running at a sodden Sefton Park in Liverpool on Saturday he was looking for a top six finish to make the team but, returning to fitness after a long period of injury, he finished eight.
Daniel Woodgate also ran well to finish only 22 seconds behind his team-mate.
Local runner Rebecca Murray of Bedford & County came tantalisingly close to making the U20 ladies team finishing in seventh.
They will all return to cross-country league action when Upton Park, Slough, hosts the next Chiltern League meeting at the weekend.