Jeremy Lyons reports from the Antrim Forum: Clonliffe’s women’s team produced a stunning return to the top tier of the Women’s league by topping their group in Antrim today. With so many heroines on the day it’s hard to single out anyone but there were was a phenomenal 7 winners on the day. Leah Moore had a great double in the 100 and 200. The Woods twins, Sarah and Becky, won their 400hurdles and 3000 respectively while Ruth Farrelly (Javelin) and Eleanor Alexander (1500) also got maximum points. The day was rounded off in style with a win in the 4 x 400 (Woods x 2, Alexander, Bechtina). All in all, a memorable days work.
The Men found the going tougher with only 4 of the winning team from last years final present. The team finished 3rd in the group. It was a case of the old reliables pulling the team through and some of the youngsters really stepping up in their league debuts. Tomas Rauktys doubled in the Discus and 56lbs. Ryan Cleary demonstrated his massive improvements this year by dominating the walk. Dave Donegan notched yet another league win in the Pole Vault while Paul Whelan took the 100. The surprise of the day was the men’s 4 x 100 relay who won with a very new team with great runs from the 4 men. The team was Donohue, Whelan, Roche and Isung.
The next round takes place in July.
In other news: At yesterday`s European Mountain Running Trials Clonliffe athletes Louise Hill Sterling earned her selection to the Irish Junior womens team placing 2nd and National cross country hero James Kevan was also 2nd in the mens senior race. Gary O`Hanlon did a 5k Saturday night and Sunday morning double up, Gary was 2nd in the Patrick Bell 5k in Bohermeen in 15.14 and this morning was 1st in the Blanchardstown 5k in 15.40 on a course Gary swears is long.