[Not a valid template]Its no longer the Mazda League and the club is now in the top division but the momentum of the Senior Mens Team shows no sign of slackening. In glorious weather at Tullamore North Down had 6 wins , 6 seconds and 4 thirds to give a fifteen event score of 114 points. DSD led the Cork round with 111 points so after the first round of the AAI National Inter Club League, North Down are in pole position in the as-yet unofficial qualifying table.
Wins came from Brendan McConville in 110m hurdles, Tom Reynolds in long jump and triple jump, Peter Glass in high jump. Michael McConkey in javelin and a new club record from the 4 x 400m relay team of Brendan, Tom, Michael Dyer and John Saulters.The seconds were Brendan in 400m hurdles and pole vault (using stadium poles), Jamie Stewart in 3000m steeplechase, John Saulters in 400m, club captain Richard Lockhart in hammer and Paul Kirkpatrick in 56 lb weight for distance. The thirds were James Budde at 1500m, Jeremy Harper at discus, Michael McConkey at shot and the 4 x 100m team of Philip Browne, Tom Reynolds, Kenny Elliott and Peter Glass. In effect everyone on the teamsheet contributed to an event top three position while reserves Jason Blanc and Kris Lockhart were able to guest as were team members, with time on their hands, in other events.
[Not a valid template]The Senior Womens Team made their first appearance in the National Inter Club League, competing at Division 1 level, also at Tullamore. The team may have been tiny and cobbled together at lastminute.com but they showed a tremendous attitude and willingness to tackle anything. Janine Munnis was second at javelin and third at high jump, Caroline Hussey was second at 400m and third at 100m, Heather Beattie was third at long jump (emerging fully kitted for the relay after a frantic drive down), Kerry and Sue Iveston were fourth at 1500m and shot (using 5Kg as no 4Kg was available), and the 4 x 100m relay team of Heather, Janine, Kerry and Caroline were third. That gave a seven event score of 42 points which could be third or equal third but is more likely fourth.