All 6 North Down athletes who raced the Ulster Un-even xc champs – at the flat Finn Valley complex in Donegal – this Sunday have made it through to the All-ireland champs in Co. Waterford on 16th Dec. Mark Patterson came back with a vengeance: after being sidelined for three months with minimal training to enter the 4000m U17 race and was 6th (11:38). Twin brother Michael had his best ever result with 10th (11:44) in a close finish for the first 12 places and as Down were first County, the pair brought back four medals. Race won by Niall Cullen (St Michaels Enniskillen) in 10:59). John Carlisle & Niall Robinson ran the extremely competitive U19 6Km won by Ian Ward (Finn V) in 18:59. John came 18th (20:42) and Niall 26th (21:30). Both go through as Co. Down Bronze medallists. Great form was shown by Lauren Scott and Jessica Craig in the girls U19 race, which was won by Michelle English (Letterk) in 12:03. Lauren took a superb 6th (13:19) – showing that she"s getting closer to her rivals ahead – while Jessica came in next in 7th (13:54). Both go through as well placed individuals.
