Island yesterday to claim a cross country title they last contested 10 years ago.

The schools competition, resurrected by former top local runner Peter Lever, saw Ridley take on teams from Saltus, Cedarbridge, Warwick Academy and Berkeley Institute.

And while the overseas visitors had no answer to Saltus star Tyler Butterfield, who romped to his second race victory in three days -- he also won Sunday's inaugural Hallowe'en Triathlon -- their strength in depth secured the team title.

With four boys and two girls counting towards the final score over a three and a quarter mile course at Clearwater Beach, Ridley couldn't place a runner in the top three.

But led by fourth-placed Rob Bruce (20:13), they added 7th, 14th, 16th, 24th and 27th place finishes for a points total of 92, which pipped second-placed Berkeley by eight points.

Despite Butterfield's victory in a quick 18:25, and a third place finish from the fast improving Mark Morrison (19:10), Saltus had to settle for third, two points behind Berkeley.

Warwick Academy took fourth place on 121 and Cedarbridge brought up the rear on 163, although Larry Marshall placed second overall, 42 seconds behind Butterfield.

Ridley's girls played a key role in the overall team triumph with Liz Boak (23:52) and Jessica White (25:29) leading home the female field. Warwick Academy pair Jennifer Young (25:35) and Shanae Scott (25:38) were next to finish.

Results, see Scoreboard.

THEY'RE OFF! -- Competitors in yesterday's school cross country challenge answer the gun at Clearwater Beach. Below, individual winner Tyler Butterfield of Saltus heads for the finish line.