Fastest time of the day - Dean Fisher Willowfield Harriers - 9.49

A huge boost for Striders and for the female population of Larne was the return to competitive action of Striders pin-up boy Eddie McGinley. Forced immediately into first team action due to the absence of Andrew Campbell (who was watching Liverpool and Arsenal in the Family Enclosure at Anfield), a clearly race rusty Eddie did what he had to against an inspired Dean Fisher on Leg 3. Eddie had been left in front by Striders two men of the moment, Johnny McKee and John "Big Devine" Devlin who braved the Arctic conditions on Leg 1 to destroy a useful line up. Indeed all athletes who ran the first leg were well deserving of the swig of brandy from Big Chris's hip flask at the 1 mile mark. Both athletes look ready to make the step up in class to become major players this season. A surprisingly lacklustre performance from Striders anchorman Dermot Donnelly meant that the winning margin only reached 57 seconds by the finish. Dermot later complained that he had encountered severe wind resistence on the outward trip around both sides of his head. Chris Diamond, and Martin Southwood also had good runs for the B Team which eventually finished in 4th place. Making their Striders debuts on the B Team were Andy McKee (Johnny's better looking younger brother) and Michel Le Velly.

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