Scott Harris scored a shock victory in the Sussex Cross Country League at Bexhill, but missed out on a national place.
He failed to make an automatic place in the Sussex team for the All England Schools' Cross Country Championships at Stanmer Park on Saturday because victory came too late, although he may be involved as first reserve.
Harris, from Eastbourne, snatched victory in the final 200m from Lee Jules (Hastings), who had led from the gun. Harris also beat three other runners who are in the Sussex team.
Jules, third-placed Dan Stepney (Phoenix) and fellow Eastbourne runner Matt Southam ran within themselves because of the nationals.
Craig Ivemy (Hailsham) cruised to a clear-cut victory over Stephen Jules (Hastings) in the under-17s age group.
Winner Chris West (Chichester) and runner-up Matthew Barrie (Phoenix) maintained their domination of the boys' under-13s group in Sussex.
Hannah Brooks (Crawley) pipped Sarah Garrett (Worthing) in the girls' under-15s race.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Browning (Chichester) is hoping for a medal and England selection in her first year as an intermediate on Saturday.
Saturday's fixture will open with the UKA Short Course Championships and a trials race for the World Cross Country Championships.
The first race is at 12.35pm.
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