The Clonliffe Men took their place in Group A of the European Champion Clubs Cup Track and Field Championships at the world famous Alexander Stadium here in Birmingham today for day one of the two day ECCC track and field and thanks to gritty efforts of the team ended the day in 7th place of a classy 10 team format.
Being in Group A of course has put the team well and truly up against some of the best athletes in Europe, and indeed the world in particular the crack Turkish outfit of Enka, the Spanish team of Playas de Castellon and of course our near neighbours Birchfield Harriers, the host club.
Matters got underway after the opening ceremony at 1 p.m., where club president Paddy Marley and stalworth Johnny O”Leary (possibly singing the “God save tge Queen” corus?) represented the club. The first Clonliffe athlete into the fray was Keith Marks in the long jump competition. Keith preformed very well in the long jump finishing in 7th place with a best of 7.25m on what was a very busy day for him as he was also the Clonliffe representative in the high jump where he finished 9th with as best of 1.90m and for the last event of the day was a member of the 4 x 100 relay team along with Jeremy Phillips, Leo Morgan and Keith Pike which placed in an excellent 2nd in their race and 5th overall in an impressive 41.60.
The other Clonliffe athletes in action today were Timmy Crowe in the 400 hurdles. Timmy placed 7th with a 54.55 run and National 100 champion Jeremy Philips who placed an excellent 4th overall in the 100 and 2nd in his heat.
Dara Kervick took to the blocks in the 400 where he finished in 7th position after a 47.92 run.
In the 800 Eoin Pierce was 10th in a classy race whilst Ian Guiden placed 8th in the 3000. Jayme Rossiter was the Clonliffe man in the 3000 SC placing 7th.
In the field events today in addition to Keith Marks Stephen Rice was 7th in the javelin after a 61.86m throw. Unfortunately Stephen suffered a bad ankle injury in the competition. Whilst Rolus Olusa was in the discus placing 10th.
The last event of the day was the 4 x 100 relay where the boys put in a great effort which raised the club to 7th place. With a top 6 retaining group A status it’s all to play for in the morning.
THhings resume at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, with Simon Galligan first in action n the hammer. It will be tough but all will give it our all.