Wilson cant stop winning as Hicks goes one better at Bearnagh
With all the long running from last week on the Seven Sevens it was always going to be interesting to see who would perform the week after. Zak Hanna having missed the Seven Sevens was looking hungry to get going and would produce an astonishing pace from the start leaving him out on his own on the way to Slieve Bearnagh. David Hicks and David McKee would be the few that would try and give chase. By the summit of Slieve Bearnagh there seemed to be only one winner as Zak held a huge lead with only the descent of Bearnagh and to get up and over Meelmore to go. David Hicks has clearly been practising his descent skills and these would prove very useful as he tore down Bearnagh on the hunt for victory. By the top of Slieve Meelmore David Hicks had closed the gap to a mere 30 seconds and he produced another devastating run to pass Zak on the run for home to take the victory with Zak battling in to take second and David McKee completing the podium.
In the ladies race Diane Wilson was trying to get another victory after a super performance at the Seven Sevens. By the top of Slieve Meelbeg Martsje Hell was putting down the marker leading Shileen O’Kane then Diane Wilson. Diane’s descending skills have always looked after at numerous races and today was no different as she would pass both ladies on the way to Slieve Bearnagh and not let go of the lead to take the win. Behind Diane the battle for the last podium places was going to go down to the wire. Shileen O’Kane would make her move on the steep ascent of Slieve Meelmore and try to hold on to that lead to the finish. This strategy would work well as Martsje would never quite get close enough but would take a super third place.
Shileen O’Kane making the push at Meelmore
With everyone safely over the finish line it was time to test the wonderful sandwiches/buns put on from the host club Mourne Runners. Many thanks to the marshals/helpers/sweepers that looked after the runners especially Denise Mathers who was looking after the chip timing today so that we can all paw over the splits and talk about what could have been. Finally a shout out to the rain for not coming on until the event equipment had been cleared up. The final NIMRA Championship race will be the Commedagh Chase on the 30th Sept – hope to see you there.
Junior Report/Results are set to follow….
Results can be found on the Results page
