Springwell Cup Primary School Cross Country

The overnight frost left the underfoot conditions at the Raida Stadium good to firm and the competitors enjoyed the bright winter sunshine during the races.

The girls got the proceedings underway setting off at a blistering pace down the opening straight. Niamh McCusker of St Mary’s Glenview set the pace from the start. At the end of the first full lap there was a mix up and the girls were turned into the finish instead completing another lap. Niamh held on to win in 2.58 with Irish Society PS’s pair Ellie McBroom second in 2.59 and Hermoine Skuce third in 3.01.

Andrew Gordon of Garvagh PS produced another exhibition of front running leading from start to finish winning the 1200m race in 4:13. Eoghan Gormley of Termoncanice PS led the chasing pack home in 4.30 just ahead of Glenravel PS’s Sean McCusker in 4.34.

After the races the Springwell’s Kenny Bacon presented medals to the top three in each race.

Top teams on the day were Portstewart PS girls, Portrush PS boys and Termoncanice PS top school.

Going into the final race Portstewart PS lead the Girls, Termoncanice PS lead the Boy’s and Best School team events. With two wins from the first two races Niamh McCusker St Mary’s Glenview and Andrew Gordon Garvagh PS can’t be caught for the individual titles.

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 final race in the series will be over a 1400m course at Roe Valley Leisure Centre on Wednesday 16 January at 10.30 with the team titles still wide open another exciting days racing is expected.