Orion Harriers runner Joseph Owen has been called up to represent England after a strong showing at the English Intercounties School’s Cross Country Championships.

Owen was one of a number of Orion club members taking part in the Yorkshire Trophy event and stole the headlines with a determined run full of both grit and quality.

A close run race saw Owen battle until the last and narrowly claim second spot as he drove over the line to pip his rival and secure a national slot.

The Middlesex athlete was part of a breakaway midway through the race as he joined Hampshire & Vectics duo Lachlan Wellington and Zak Mahamed at the head of the race.

Sitting third heading into the final straight, Owen looked set for a bronze medal until mustering a final ounce of energy before the line.

Wellington was in good form and looked in control of proceedings, but failed to account for Owen’s greater pace which allowed the Orion runner to break away and secure silver behind Mahamed.

Hampshire’s overall display was enough to earn them the team gold on the day as they finished the event with 197 points.

Essex secured second place, claiming 275 points, and Sussex completed the top three in the team standings with a score of 350 points.