East Down athletes shine at Development League

East Down athletes shine at Development League

THE sun-kissed surroundings of Antrim Forum on Saturday were in sharp contrast to the monsoon-like conditions of a week ago and the warmth of the occasion put a smile on everyone’s face and a spring in the steps of competitors and spectators alike.

Ideal conditions then for top class performances from all the athletes and the East Down contingent didn’t disappoint in the second round of this Youth Development League fixture.

Though small in number, the squad all combined to turn in a remarkable team performance.

There were wins for Laura Gardiner and Aoife Cochrane with new PBs in the U-15 girls’ 1500 metres, Eimear Connor in a dazzling 100 metres dash, Emma Smyth in a pulsating 200m race — victor by one hundredth of a second in 27.21 — and Matthew McGrattan in the U-13 boys 800m, excellently supplemented by Emily Forte in the 100m and long jump and Laura Green in the 800m and 75m hurdles, together with points collection sorties by several of the aforementioned into the shot putt and discus arenas.

Apart from his exploits in the two lap race Matthew McGrattan completed his one-man team effort with fifth in the 100 metres and fourth in the javelin.

Not to be outdone, Chloe Galloway performed a similar role in the U-13 girls category, thoroughly enjoying herself and showing great versatility over 70m hurdles, 1200m (4.30), and shot putt.

All the while, the three-man U-15 boys team were working hard to continue the gathering of points with Daniel Atkinson (200m, 1500m and long jump), Owen Edwards (300m, 1500m and shot putt) and Chris O’Connor (800m, long jump and shot putt) all working their socks off to gain the best possible placings in often unfamiliar events.

As the sun kept shining the long-awaited relays came into view and the U-15 girls discussed their tactics for an assault on the 4 x 100m.

With Eimear Connor opting for first leg duty, handing over to Emma Smyth and then to Emily Forte, anchor leg runner Laura Gardiner had a narrow lead in third place when the baton reached her, but she increased the lead over fourth place and dramatically reduced the gap to second to secure the third place points.

All in all, a very successful day and one which has led to eager anticipation of the next round on June 22.

• Only two East Down runners made their way to Newry on Sunday for the annual Half Marathon.

Michael McKeown returned a time of 1.32 with James Magennis happy to finish in 1.40 given the hot conditions.

• The next local event is the Loughinisland 5.05 mile race on June 26 over an exciting new course. More details next week.