It could so easily have been a double but how a moments hesitation can alter things so dramatically. Just a week after her comprehensive victory in the Rollercoaster race East Down's Ellen Erskine was heading for a repeat in the Civil Service Cross Country event at Stormont, having earlier established a considerable lead over Harriett Matchett.  But as she crested the brow of the hill within sight of the Finish a moment of uncertainty, understandable in that some officials were standing a little ahead of the line, caused her to lose momentum and Matchett was past to win by a stride.  But Ellen quickly regained her normal cheery smile and accepted defeat in the same manner as victory last week – a genuine prospect with an excellent attitude. Amy Godfrey also performed well, taking 17th place with Aoife Cochrane and Emily Forte in 30th and 31st respectively in a large field of 63.

In the Primary School Boys race the Hawkins brothers Aidan and Caolan made their East Down debuts along with Steven McKibbin and all performed well together with Johnny Erskine and Dean McCrickard in another large field. In the Under 13 Boys race Christian Keown, Ewan Findlay battled it out for 6th and 7th places while Mark McKibbin showed loads of potential with a smooth performance in 9th. Patrick Sheridan made a welcome re-appearance with a commanding run in the Under 15 Boys race, taking the Gold medal 11 seconds clear of the second placed runner and Paddy Erskine battled to a well deserved 8th place over the 3K distance. Arthur Morgan continued his recent good form, taking 3rd place in the Under 17 Boys. So well done to all who turned out in what were wet and muddy underfoot conditions in the magnificent Castle Grounds setting.

A Club debut too for Wendy Findlay in the Women's 3 mile race and a welcome return to action for Helen Murray who has been preoccupied with school work for some time now.

Another debut in the Mens Open race where Neil McCartan was prominent in the opening laps before the conditions sapped his strength and lack of training proved crucial to his finishing position.  Nevertheless he should be well satisfied with 23rd  place and the promise of much more to come. Liam Keenan was only a few seconds behind as he continued his build up to the British Masters Championships, scheduled for the same venue on 13th March.

JIMMY'S TEN

Jimmy's Ten is fast approaching and East Down are delighted to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of sponsorship from SPAR for a series of 10K races throughout Northern Ireland over the next 6 months.  The aim is to encourage runners of all abilities, but especially novices to “Get Into Your Stride” and take part in the series.

Jimmy's Ten which also benefits from the continued patronage of main sponsor MB McGrady & Co, Chartered Accountants takes place this year on Sunday 14 March at 12.00 noon – it's just around the corner and anyone wishing to enter is encouraged to use the online entry facility now available on www.spar10kseries.com     or download an Entry form at www.spanglefish.com/eastdownac . 

There is no online facility for the Relay Event so download a form at the eastdown site or pick up a Form at Down Leisure Centre, or contact Joe Quinn 02844614235 or 07933214894   As numbers are expected to be high it is recommended that you enter online right away to guarantee a free T-Shirt.  If the entry limit is reached before the race date no entries will be taken on the day of the race but if there are the entry fee will be £12. So the Club are recommending you get in early to avoid disappointment.


Joe Quinn

28 February 2010