RUGBY legend Doddie Weir was the official starter at Sunday's penultimate round of this winter's Borders Cross Country Series in Galashiels.

And the organisers of the popular races handed over a cheque to the former Scotland star in support of his fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

Doddie launched his own trust last year to fund research into finding a cure for the disease as well as supporting others who are suffering from the condition.

Ahead of Sunday's races coming under starter's orders, organisers of the Cross Country Series boosted the fund with a cheque for £2,500.

While Doddie may have been head and shoulders above most on the rugby field it's proving that Irish athlete Eoin Lennon is similarly a class above on the cross country tracks around the Borders.

The Carnethy runner made it six wins from six as he crossed the line some 14 seconds in front of Scott Fraser from Hunter Bog Trotters.

Fellow Bog Trotter James Waldie was third.

Graeme Murdoch's impressive season continued as he raced home for fourth to also collect the trophy for first Gala Harrier to finish.

Faisal Khursheed also claimed fifth for the host club.

Jill Stephen won the Ladies' race for Hunter Bog Trotters with 26 seconds to spare over Lisa McDonald.

Gala's Kirstin Maxwell was a further 20 seconds back in third with fellow Harrier Sara Green finishing well for fourth.

A total of 182 seniors completed the course around Gala Policies.

In the Juniors, East Lothian's Fraser Kelly continued his winning ways, crossing the line five seconds ahead of Teviotdale Harrier Fraser Clyne.

East Lothian's Cameron Bullen was 11 seconds further back in third.

Cameron Rankine was first Gala Harrier home in seventh, and Chirnside's Zico Field ran well to also claim a top ten finish.

There was an East Lothian clean sweep in the Girls' race with Musselburgh's Flora Henry holding off Team East Lothian duo Esme Callendar and Zoe Macdonald.

Isla Patterson was first Harrier home in fifth.

A total of 102 Juniors completed the course.

The concluding leg of this winter's series will be held at Chirnside on Sunday, March 4.