Emer Bermingham

THE penultimate round of the CWD Spring Tour at Ennis Showgrounds last Sunday saw the competition for points reach fever pitch ahead of the final at The Meadows EC tomorrow (Sunday, March 20th).

Francis Derwin certainly had his eye on the 128cms title as he partnered Buchaille Baire to another win in this division, going clear in 25.43 seconds. Derwin goes into the final leg in a very strong position as his second mount Essenar Jinja Ninja, also delivered a clear round in 27.87 for third. Max Foley separated Derwin’s placings when he piloted Sparkel into second (27.72).

Coen Williams opted for the safer options with Cobweb Studs Black Jack and it paid off as a clear in 28.52 saw him take fourth.

Alex Finney went clear with Ballyknock Master Roan (28.84) for fifth place and Sarah Fitzgerald put her first points on the board when she partnered Clonakilla Hurley to a clear in 29.94 for sixth.

Placed second in the Cavan leg of the league, Robyn Moran went one better when taking victory in the 138cms division with Western Oreo, clear in 35.37 seconds. Last week’s winners Max Foley and Sandy were fractions behind in 35.49.

Ciaran Nallon wasted no time with Quest Du Buhot to finish third (35.82) and Max Foley was back in the ribbons again for fourth place with Mayfly Green Peter (36.99). Sarah Fitzgerald returned to take fifth place with Future Memories (38.33), ahead of Orla Duffy and Trendy Little Captain (40.07).

In the 148cms division, there was little to divide the top two. Taking the honours was Lucy Shanahan on Cinderella Girl, clear in 37.51 seconds. Shanahan was chased home by Jason Foley and Casino Royale, who were fractions behind in 37.55.

Kate Derwin played it safe with Springhill Rebellious and a clear in 40.37 saw her slot into third. Last week’s winner, Robbie Clancy took fourth place with I’m a Tomboy (41.36). Samantha Foley lodged her first points on the board when she slotted into fifth place with Dudes Law (41.82), ahead of Jay Naughton and Star Appraisal (42.78).

In the 148cms HSI trial class, four riders proceeded to the jump-off and of these just one delivered a double clear.

Taking the honours was Jason Foley, who crossed the line with Lyncott Fancy Pants in 46.17 seconds.

Ciaran Nallon incurred for faults with Dibidoe in 46.74, which saw him take second place.

Abbie Sweetman proved that the time could be beaten when clocking 45.28 with Dynamite Spartacus but, with two poles on the floor, she had to be content with third place. Cian Harrison opted not to take his place in the jump-off with Breda Carroll’s Knockeroghery Prince, which meant he took fourth place.

In the Children On Horses division, Oscar Burke Mullaney and Impressionist delivered the only double clear in 51.91 seconds to take the win for first time.