A perfectly executed race plan saw Stephen Duncan take
victory in the final domestic cross-country fixture of the year when he
romped home 18 seconds clear of the field in the Northwest Cross-Country
Championships at Gransha
Duncan had exerted his authority on the opening lap of
three before pulling away for an impressive victory. Noel Collins made it
a one-two for the Omagh club when he overhauled City of Derry’s Gregory
Roberts on the home-straight.
“It was a nice flat course, so no complaints there, if
it had been a bit muckier it wouldn’t have suited me but that there was a
good course for me,” said Duncan within seconds of crossing the line.
Duncan admitted that he had been afraid of the finishing
speed of his young clubmate Noel Collins and for that reason he had struck
out early in the race.
“I didn’t want to face the prospect of facing Noel with
400 metres to go and if I had left it to the final lap they would have
gone with me,” explained the Leisure Centre attendant.
Duncan confirmed that he will continue competing in the
mountain races in 2008 but may also take part in the Newry Marathon.
Collins’ move over the final straight also proved
conclusive in the team race giving Omagh a narrow victory over holders
City of Derry 19-21. It was an historic day for the Tyrone club with it
being its first senior team championship.
City of Derry had two category winners in Paul
McCafferty (M35) and Oran McBride (M40).
The hosts had a further cause to celebrate when Aileen
Morrison overcame a defiant Theresa McGloin to win the women’s title.
The Irish triathlon champion has been getting stronger
every week and on this occasion waited until the final lap before getting
away from the Donegal champion. The ever-consistent Cathy McCourt took
third.
Good packing by the City of Derry ladies saw them retain
the team title with Jackie McMonagle (5th) and Olivia McCullagh
(7th) completing the scoring trio.
Victory in the boys’ U16 race went to Omagh’s Barry
Kelly while Derry’s Clare Shaw won the corresponding girls’ contest.
Lagan Valley’s Michael Robinson, son of former Duncairn Harrier Gerry, and
Megan Quigley were the winners of the U14 races.
