The sun shone on the Queens playing fields on Saturday for the annual trials to represent Northern Ireland at the British and Irish International in November. North Down were well represented and had considerable success in the age bands. With the top 4 feeling confident of a selection the selection panel will hopefully be seeking the email addresses of ND members next week.
Birthday boy Terry Eakin won his age group once again and in the same race Pat O’Driscoll came 7th.
John Adgey finished 3rd in the O75, James Budde came 2ndin the O40 and Sarah Gibson managed 4th in the O50’s as did June McMinn in the O60’s. With the peculiarities in terms of NIMAA membership and withdrawals from injury, those in 5th and 6th will feel they have a chance.
Chris Moran always knew he had a race on his hands and did so well to complete in 5th place in his O45 race, Julie Wilson also claiming 5th spot in the ladies O45. Jodi Smith finished 6th and Clair Quigley 7th in the O40’s but may move up one spot each with a non member finishing ahead of them. Glynis Boyle had a great run to notch up another 5th place reserve spot.
Paula Simpson continues her great form with a 7th place finish which may just be a place too much to make the team and Gareth Watton did well to finish 10thin the highly competitive O35 bracket.