long absence, scored his first victory of 1994 when he outlasted three of the Island's top Masters runners to win Sunday evening's five miler along North Shore.

Cooper clocked 27 minutes, 59 seconds -- just eight seconds clear of veteran Jeremy Ball.

Two other Masters (over 40) were close behind with Harry Patchett taking third place in 28.12 and Rod Allen fourth in 28.15.

Maria Conroy Haydon, fully recovered from her collapse during the recent May 24 Marathon Derby, led home the women's field in 30.05, more than a minute ahead of Jane Christie (31.43).

Debbie Butterfield, five seconds behind Christie, claimed female Masters honours.

Top junior Mark Constable turned in one of the evening's most impressive performances, clocking 29.11 for eighth place overall.