Double top for Clonliffe in league 1st round at HQ (updated)

It was an excellent day for the Clonliffe men and women`s track and field teams in today`s 1st round of the national league held in glorious sunshine in the Morton Stadium today. At the end of the 6 hour long competition both teams finished top of their groups in the premier division. The men`s team win was built on the foundation of some superb performances in the field events and middle distance. Pride of place goes to Tomas Rauktys who pitched in valuable wins in the shot (16.21m) and discus (53.21m). Excellent performances also in particular from Ryan Whelan winning the javelin in an excellent pb of 53.81m, and fine wins also from Dave Donegan in the pole vault (4.70m), Ryan Cleary in the 3,000 race walk (14.21.20), Ian Guiden in the 1500 (4.00.38) ,Dave Fitzmaurice in the 5,000 (15.23.40) and a good win also in the hammer by Manuel Calvo-Curry (44.38m) and a very exciting 4 x 100 relay win in a fast 42.06.

The team featured a blend of well seasoned campaigners and up and coming young athletes Ryan Cleary, Ryan Whelan and both Ian Guiden and Cathal Doyle (an 800 pb of 2.07.40 for 5th place) making their league debuts. At the end of the day the team topped the group on 126 points, from Menapians 120 and North Down 105.

The womens team were the surprise of the day as they were up against some top class opposition and were delighted to also top the group on 105 points, from Ferrybank 103 and Raheny 98.5. Again wins chawked up by Ciara McCallion in the 400 (57.54), Eleanor Alexander in the 1500 (4.42.5)and Denise Byrne in the javelin (40.08m) laid the foundations. After that some top scores were contributed by 2nd placers Roisin Leahy in the 3000, Senzana Bectina in the Race Walk, Michelle English in the 800 and in both relays, 4 x 100 where young Kate Hession impressed all, and the 4 x 400. 3rd places then from Sarah Doyle on her comeback after a long long absence 3rd in both the 400h and 100h and Leah Moore 2nd in the 100 and 3rd 200 and also on her debut a solid 4th in the long jump by Megan Coomber, another of the exciting new generation of Clonliffe Harriers.

Well done to all our athletes today and to the two Captains, we`re on the road now!

Update Monday, 27th, combined scores show Clonliffe men lead on 126, 2nd Menapians 120, 3rd Leevale 118. Women: 1st Leevale, 2nd Kildare County, 3rd Clonliffe 105.