SLIDESHOW: Ballymena BB cross-country championships

Matthew McDowell of Harryville BB is cheered on by his mum as he comes home to win the Anchor Boys race at the Ballymena Boys Brigade Cross Country Championships at Ballymena Academy. INBT 10-190CS

On a sunny but cool Saturday, running conditions were ideal and in spite of the recent heavy rains, the underfoot ground at the Ballymena Academy course was all that could be asked for.

The youngest section, the Anchors came to the starting line and following the off there was good support from BB Officers and parents. The finishing tape saw Matthew Mc Dowell of the Harryville Company first across, followed by Scott Watterson, 9th Ballymena (Ballee), Kris Harkness, 1st Glenwherry, Daniel Cupples, 9th Ballymena (Ballee) and Alexander O`Hara, 1st Clough.

Next up was the Juniors with a large field and much expectation. Conor Drain of the 1st Broughshane Company had a strong finish to claim the winners spot closely followed by Matthew Millar, 1st Clough, Cameron McMullan, 1st Cullybackey, Conor Crabbe, 2nd Ballymena (Wellington), and Joel Anderson of 1st Cullybackey.

The Company Section Junior race was a closely fought event over a longer distance. Whilst the entry was not as large the boys gave of their best with David Henry of 1st Glenwherry claiming the number one spot. Second was Jack Spence of 4th Ballymena (High Kirk). Third, Josh Drane of 1st Broughshane. Fourth Sam Hill of 4th Ballymena (High Kirk) and fifth , Samuel Hoey of 1st Glenwherry.

The much awaited Company Section Senior Race was last on the programme for the day. This was run at a blistering pace over two laps and saw Matthew Waide of the 1st Clough Company first into the finishers compound, closely followed in second position by David O`Neill of 2nd Ahoghill Company (Brookside), third was Azur Allison of 1st Glenwherry, fourth position was Michael Pettigrew of 1st Clough and fifth David Greer of 1st Connor.

The Anchors team event shield was won by the 4th Ballymena Company belonging to High Kirk while the Junior Shield went to 1st Cullybackey.

There was a double for High Kirk when their Company took the honours in the Company Section Junior race.

In the best race of the day David Henry of 1st Glenwherry leads home second placed Jack Spence (right) of 4th Ballymena and third placed Josh Drain of 1st Broughshane in the Company Section Junior Race. INBT 10-194CS

The company Section senior team award went to the village boys from 2nd Ahoghill belonging to Brookside Presbyterian Church.

The coveted Clough shield, based on the overall accumulated points over the day, was awarded to 1st Glenwherry.