The second race of the Springwell Primary Schools Cross-Country Cup took place today in Limavady. The frosty weather didn’t deter the enthusiastic local boys and girls who couldn’t wait to get going on the course at Roe Valley Leisure Centre. The girls got to sample the flat course first and the pace was blistering from start to finish. The two leading girls Rachel Mackey, Ballykelly and Niamh Tweedie, Portstewart flew around the course.
On the home straight Rachel had a marginal lead, however Niamh dug deep and upped her pace to a sprint. Rachel reacted as Niamh came onto her shoulder, and it was clear it was going to be a fight all the way to line.
As they crossed the line there was barley a millimetre between them, only for Rachel’s slight lean through the line she took first place for the second time in the series. Niamh again had to settle for second place although here performance today showed a great improvement from Race 1 and the final race of the series in Ballymoney should be a very exciting affair if Niamh can build on her performance again! Aoife McSheffrey also had an excellent race in third, making the 1,2,3 identical to Race 1 in Coleraine.
The boys also got off to a fast start, as confidence was high following the race in Coleraine. Oran Barton from Portstewart dominated again and came through to win with a comfortable lead.
Second and third place was close again between the two Ballykelly boys Reece Vinnicombe and Jack McGonigle however Reece got the upper hand on this occasion taking second with Jack settling for third.
Ballykelly PS dominated the team competition getting top points in both the girls and boys races.
The pressure is on for the final race, taking place at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney on the 14th January as Ballykelly go for a clean sweep.
The races should be nail biting for all athletes, spectators and organisers alike.
Elaine McCaffrey