East Down Athletic Club   

McConnell Shield Races at Ballyclare

Overnight rain left the lower levels of the twisting course in Sixmilewater Park decidedly juicy for the East Antrim Harriers promotion on Saturday and while other parts of the course were described as “fast” it was more a spectators than a participants viewpoint. Certainly it was a stamina sapping circuit with a strong headwind adding to the fun on a cold but mercifully dry afternoon.

And taking to the conditions like a duck to water Aaron Hickland enjoyed the 2 miles of the under 16 Boys race as he becomes attuned to the demands of cross country running. He ran strongly and steadily to take 6th place in a competitive field in a time of 13.20.

In the Senior race there were mixed fortunes for the East Down trio of Mark Quinn, Liam Keenan and Joe Quinn with Mark shrugging off some indifferent form of recent weeks and adapting to the conditions better to finish some 27 seconds ahead of Liam in 32.55, a morale boosting performance. Joe meanwhile struggled from the off and though up with the leaders for a while it was only while being lapped and he finished a disappointed 91st, in 37.12, over a minute down on his time of last year.

On Sunday a small band of hardy juniors made their way to Stranorlar in Donegal for the NI and Ulster Uneven Age Group Championships and were rewarded with a splendid Gold medal for Joanne Mills in the Under 17 category to add to her success in the Under 18 race 2 weeks ago, and a Silver medal from Elaine Burch in the Under 15 Girls race - did the new track suit bring her luck?  Also performing splendidly as always were Caroline O’Hare, taking a superb 26th place behind Joanne and big brother James who made light of recent cold symptoms to qualify for the All Ireland championships by claiming 10th place in the Under 19 Boys race.  Well Done to everyone who took part - and to the parents who drove them there and back.


10/11/2008