Ovett, Coe and Cram - National League Rd 2, Graded League and Roads

JB Graded League Rd 3 - Ovett, Coe and Cram

In a throwback to the 80's we seem to have our own East Cork version of the legendary Ovett, Coe and Cram rivalry. While one trio were battling for world records and Olympic titles our stars Crowley, O'Brien and Giltinan are battling for bragging rights and acceptance.

Tim, Stephen and Donal lined up in the 1500m on Friday night for the John Buckley Graded League third round and had a titanic battle. As the race settled current East Cork Senior 1500m champ Tim Crowley took charge of a group of 7 and did what he does best, put his head down and worked hard! Stephen and Donal were grateful to be on this express service and gladly switched brains off and hung on.

As the race progressed into the dreaded 3rd lap, where normally things slow down as bodies get tired from the intensity and heads start thinking about the sprint finish to come, Tim kept the pressure on and dropped a few more from the group. WIth 400m to go it was set up for a straight up shoot out of our East Cork heros and Andrew Hobbs from Leevale.

As Donal and Stephen assessed the situation going around the bend with 350m to go Tim kept the pace honest and ensured there was no lull. Hobbs from Leevale had a small gap as they entered the home straight and then the battle was on. Stephen took flight 90m out and like a gazelle in the Savannah avoiding an ambush (and Tims elbows) went the long way round to lane 3 to overtake Tim and set himself up for the final push. Donal, sensing that this was his the moment to shine, locked on Stephens trail and opened up to full sprint mode. Tim who surely must of been feeling it the most of the group, having grinded out the pace for the previous 1400m, stayed strong right to the line and didn't give an inch in lane 1. Stephen caught Hobbs with 10m to go and Donal pipped Tim by a neck leading to a chaotic finish. Luckily there were cool heads recording everything and times and positions were recorded accurately. Well done lads.

Denmark:

In Denmark Frank continued his good form running his 2nd sub 10 min 3k of the season in 9.57. These "Trackseries" races look very competitive and well organised, perhaps we should plan a club trip for the next one. No doubt Frank would be willing to put a group of us up and show us the sights of Copenhagen...

National League Rd 2 - AIT:

The second round of the National league was on in Athlone IT on Sunday. The womens section had another fantastic day and have qualified for the final top of the division. They will be in with a real shout of grabbing a promotion to Premier for next year if they keep this form up. Fiona was our sole athlete representing the division. She won the 3k in 10.48 and was 3rd in the 1500 in 5.03. 

The mens team didn't quite reach the lofty standards of the ladies but they did qualify to the finals grabbing the 8th and final spot. The two Kevin's were competing again in this. Kevin O'Brien doubled up and was 3rd in 1500m in 4.09 and 4th in 800m in 2.05. Kevin O'Leary on his first race after the marathon had to face into the gale force windy on the top bend 13 times and battled valiantly to record 16.02 and 3rd place in the race. Frank O'Brien was 3rd in the 3k Steeplechase in 10.37.

Well done to selectors Liam O'Brien, Willie Walsh and Joan Hough and all the other athletes in the East Cork region that played a part in getting both teams through to the finals in Tullamore in 3 weeks time. It is a great achievement and a step in the right direction for East Cork athletics.


Random Road Racing:

Brian went to Millstreet on Friday night and ran 28.30 for 11th overall in a surprisingly competitive field. The Ballycotton 5 mile summer series must obviously be benefiting some other races around the county. Tim O'Donoghue ran a 10k in Silgo on Saturday where he came 3rd in 32.45.


Upcoming Races:

The next race on the calendar is the East Cork organised "Robbie Steele 4 Mile" in Whitegate on Thursday night. Help will be need recording results and taking registrations so if you are not running any extra hands would be greatly appreciated. 
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