Primary Schools Cross Coubtry League is under starter’s orders

Primary 5 to Primary 7 pupils from eight primary school competed over the 1000m to gain points for their school. The top six pupils from each school count as the team score. The Schools that has the best overall score (taken from two out of three races) will win the Springwell Cup and the top three schools from each area plus the top five individuals from each area will be entered into the ANI Primary School Cross Country Final.

The girls got the proceedings underway setting off at a blistering pace down the opening straight. Tolulope Jide-Ojo of Portstewart set the pace from the start coming home to win in 3:55 with Niamh McKay of Glenravel PS taking second in 4:08 and Lucy McCallum (DH Christie Memorial PS) just pipping Niamh Mulligan (Drumachose PS) on the line, both crossing the line in 4:10.

The boy’s race produced an epic battle between Cathal Hynds (Glenravel PS) and Patrick Irwin (Portrush PS). Cathal led the race into the final straight but Patrick produced a final effort but was unable to close the gap with Cathal winning in 3:39 and Patrick a further two seconds back. Sean Deehan of Termoncanice PS took third place in 3:43.

After the races the Athletics NI’s Dean Adams presented medals to the top three in each race. Top teams on the day were Glenravel PS girls, Termoncanice PS boys and Termoncanice PS top school. Springwell Running Club would like to thank Ballymoney Borough Council for the use of the facilities at Raida Stadium and the staff’s assistance is setting up the course.

Thanks also to schools and parents who turned up to support their kids and the members Springwell who helped out.

The next race in the series will over a 1200m course at the University of Ulster, Coleraine on Wednesday 4 December at 10.30. Another exciting days racing is expected as the competition for the prizes at this early stage is very tight.