Local masters shine in Glasgow

Multi eventer Danea was an easy gold medal winner in the F50 Pentathlon, claiming first place in all five events to win by a massive 1,200 points from her nearest rival.

Local solicitor Robert Bigger competed in the M50 category over both 800 metres and 1,500 metres and came home with double silver behind the current UK M50 Champion, John Thompson of Fife AC. These were excellent performances by the Spartan.

Both Danea and Robert will fancy their chances in the upcoming Irish Masters Indoor Championships in Nenagh, County Tipperary in a few weeks time.

From the masters to primary school runners and last Friday, St Columb’s Park hosted round two of the local Primary Schools Cross Country League. A big entry once again turned out and the huge crowd of spectators were treated to a couple of terrific races.

The distance was 1K and in the girl’s race, Megan Murphy came home ahead of St Patrick’s pair, Kerri McCallion and Amy Logue.

This was a major improvement from Megan Murphy who finished 58th in the first round race before Christmas.

Long Tower’s Christopher McLaughlin made it a double by winning again at St Columb’s and was followed home by Ronan Doherty and Shea McDevitt from St Theresa’s and Hollybush respectively in a repeat of the Sports Complex finishing order.

Stranorlar this Saturday

Stranorlar is the major venue this Saturday where the Provincial Masters and Junior Cross Country Championships will take place. North West interest will come with the participation of City of Derry, Omagh Harriers, Inishowen AC, Finn Valley and Letterkenny all taking part-with all of these teams in with serious chances of taking individual medals.

The local Spartans are fielding runners in all races with hopes of individual medals resting primarily on the shoulders of Declan Reed in the Male Masters section. Reed’s male junior squad perhaps lack the strength in-depth for team gold but should be in with a chance to claim silver or bronze if they give it a real go.

Colin Roberts is a bit race rusty but has the class to challenge up front in what should be a really hot Masters’ Race. While the team will miss Damien McGinty, they are potential medallists.The female red vests could be without Anne Paul in the Masters’ Race and that will prove a blow. Maria Campbell will lead the Intermediate Squad in their quest for honours. Roisin Lynch looks good for the Individual F60 gold as does Christy McGonagle in the M65 Race.

Jordanstown meeting

In the Northern Ireland Open Meeting at Jordanstown last weekend, Peter Fryer cleared 1m 70cm to win the high jump, Mark McGarvey long jumped 6m 11cm for third place and won his 60m heat in 7.45 secs. Ryan McParland posted 7.45secs in winning his 60m heat as the Spartan trio in the early season track field action at the County Antrim venue.