THE popular Comber Cup Cross-Country fixture took place at the Billy Neill Playing Fields on Sunday.
Promoted by Ballydrain Harriers, perfect conditions greeted the large fields which were further increased by the addition of the NI Masters XC Trials, which had been cancelled the previous weekend.
The senior men’s race was won by the in-form Craig McMeechan from North Down Athletic Club, followed by Cameron Stewart (Annadale Striders) and Stephen Lyster (Lagan Valley).
Annadale’s Hannah Gilliland produced a dominant performance in the women’s race, winning by 45 seconds from teammate Holly Taggart who just held off Emily Morris (Willowfield) for second place.
Annadale Striders took both men’s and women’s team titles. The younger age group races were also well supported. There were wins for Daly Seaton (North Down AC) and Lily Henderson (City of Lisburn AC) in the boys and girls primary school races.
In the U14 races, Anna Kelly (City of Lisburn AC) and Carter Rolston (North Down AC) were impressive winners. The U16 races saw wins for Madison Welby (City of Lisburn AC) and Charlie Taggart (Keep er Lit), while the U18 races were won by Freya Woodhead and Alex Downey (both Lagan Valley).
In the flagship Comber Cup race, Rudy Mayne was first home for Ballydrain Harriers and 13th overall in an impressive time of 26.18, followed by Chris Drysdale and Matthew Carville. Tori Smyth was Ballydrain’s leading lady in the John McKeag Cup in 22.14, followed by Debbie Matchett and Amanda Jackson.
