The Clonliffe men continue to sweep the boards. After wins on the country from the Novice and Intermediate men today it was the track and field team to once again claim top spot and retain the Irish Life Health National Indoor League title at the truly magnificent National Indoor Arena.
In truth it was never really in doubt. The men were just unstoppable and with a magnificent seven wins in the end won by a country mile: 93 points to 64 for 2nd and 3rd.
David Donegan got the team off to a winning start in the pole vault (4.30m) and this continued with Keith Marks once again setting a new club record in the long jump (7.12m) as he also bagged maximum points. Likewise Niall Counihan took all points on offer in the triple jump (14.15m).
On the track there were wins recorded by Chris Sibanda in the 60m in a very fast 6.87 (a mere 100th shy of Keith Pike`s club record) and by Rolus Olusa in the 60H (8.57), Rolus was again a star performer as he was 2nd in the shot (11.20m). Dara Kervick impressed greatly in his first outing in almost a year to win the 400 in 48.85 and then to produce an outstanding 3rd leg in the 4 x 200 to propel the team from 3rd to 1st (team: Theo Cruz, Stuart Roche, Dara and Chris Sibanda).
Great work from the rest of the lads: Andrea Mahin 2nd in the high jump (1.90m), Mark McDonald 3rd in a tactical 800 (2.01.10), Theo Cruz 5th in the 200 (22.70) and also from the youngest team member Greg Hossenny an excellent 4th in the 1500 (4.17.41, a pb).
Fantastic work by the whole team and their coaches with John Shields in particular.
The Clonliffe women battled away all afternoon but really found themselves up against it and ended the day in 7th place. There was a good win by Ciara McCallion in the 400 (58.01), a 2nd place in the 1500 for Emer O`Brien (4.49.72) and 3rd place for Emer Treacy in the 800 (2.23.45) but that was as good as it got. Snezana Bechtina was 7th in the 60H (10.94) and 6th in the pole vault. Denise Byrne placed 6th in the shot (8.12m) and 8th in the long jump (4.30). Emma Kelly was 7th in the 200 (27.24) and Maria Magina was 8th in the high jump (1.15). There was a positive enough conclusion to the competition by the girls with a solid 4×200 relay performance that delivered a 4th place.
To see photos from Indoors click: https://flic.kr/s/aHskNjbFEJ