FOLLOWING on from Comber where the mud was the prevailing memory, the juniors travelled to Greenmount Campus in Antrim for the Evens Age Group Cross Country to find a totally different scene.
On a day that was bright and dry, the runners were treated to both better weather and kinder conditions.
That is not to say the racing was not tough, as this being an NI & Ulster Championship event meant that all comers were here to test themselves and hopefully get a slot for the -ll Ireland’s on November 23, either as an individual (coming top 12) or as a team (coming in the top four teams) or as part of county selection (coming in the top 10 of a county who qualify).
So, there was lots to play for and EDAC juniors as always were determined to be in the mix and gave it their best shot with the following results: boys U-10 Jarleth Kearney (23rd), William Taylor (53rd); girls U-10 Caragh Moore (36th); boys U-12 Alex Robinson (55th), Aaron Lennon (59th), Matthew Taylor (86th); girls U-12 Erin Moore (55th); boys U-14 Oliver Robinson (39th); girls U-14 Anna Gardiner (2nd), Emily Burns (31st), Kara Trainor (34th), Anna Kearney (70th); boys U-16 MacKenzie Murray (24th), girls U-16 Lauren Madine (3rd).
Big congratulations to Anna and Lauren on getting a prestigious Ulster Championship medal as well as qualifying as an individual for the All-Ireland’s.
The club was also delighted to find that U-14 girls Anna Gardiner, Emily Burns, Kara Trainor and Anna Kearney go forward as fourth qualifying team.
There was more good news when all the sums were done as Alex Robinson, Aaron Lennon, Matthew Taylor, Ollie Robinson and Mackenzie Murray will also get to race at the All-Ireland’s by being part of a qualifying County Down team in their respective age groups.
It was a good day out for the club and thanks go to coaches and parents for the smooth handling of the necessary logistics.
Well done all.