Springwell Cup Primary School Cross Country

This year the league is sponsored by Flahavan’s, Ireland’s leading porridge oats producer.

Schools in the Causeway Coast area were competing for the Springwell Cup. The first race in the series, organised by Springwell Running Club in Association with Athletics NI took place at Ballymoney’s Riada Stadium last Wednesday.

The top six pupils from each school count as the team score. The schools that have the best overall score will be eligible for an overall county prize and the top three schools from each area plus the top five individuals from each area will be entered into the ANI Primary School Cross Country Final.

The top 20 boys and girls form the final will be invited to join the ANI Junior Cross Country Squad.

The girls got the proceedings underway, setting off at a blistering pace. By the end of the first lap the field had spread out with Holly Woodhead (DH Christie Memorial PS) leading the way hotly pursued by Eva McGrath (Milburn PS) and Aine McKinney (St Colum's Portstewart PS).

On the second lap the lead changed a number of times as the girls pushed for home. As they came down the finishing straight Eva looked like she had the race in her grasp but Holly dug deep and sprinted for the line to take the victory in 4.21 with Eva second in 4.22 and Aine McKinney third in 4.32.

The boys race also set off at a tremendous pace with Peader McLaughlin (St Columba’s PS) setting the early pace closely followed by Eamon McLaughlin (Termoncanice PS) and Ross Moore (Portrush PS).

On the second lap Ross turned up the pace and went into the lead with Peadar and Eamon giving chase. Ross came home to win in 4.08 and Eamon (4.13) out sprinted Peadar (4.15) to claim second place.

After the races the Dean Adams, Athletics NI presented medals to the top three in each race.

In the team events Portstewart PS lead the Girls, St Columba’s, Kilrea lead the Boys and Portstewart PS lead the Best School.

The next race in the series will take place at the University of Ulster, Coleraine on Wednesdaym December 1 at 10.30am.