Former Cookstown swimmer Calum Bain got his name into the record books when he set a new best time by an Ulster swimmer for 50 metres freestyle when competing for Stirling University in the British Universities Sports Championships at Pond Forge in Sheffield recently.
A past pupil of Royal School, Dungannon, Calum clocked 22.72 seconds in the heats, but improved to a new Ulster record of 22.45 seconds when finishing in fourth place in the final behind his fellow Stirling student and British Olympian Duncan Scott, who won the event in 21.92.
On the water polo front, St Vincent’s (Dublin) did the double at the Irish U19 Cups for men and women which were played at the University Arena in Limerick at the weekend.
They overcame Galway opposition in both finals with the boys beating Corrib 8-3 and the girls accounting for Tribes 10-9.
Donegall Diamonds, who were the only Ulster side in the girls tournament, did well to make the semi-final where they went down 6-14 to the eventual winners.
Clonard took advantage of a favourable draw in the boys event to make the semi-final where a tired team took a big hit from St Vincent’s, losing 4-18
The draw was somewhat unbalanced, with the best four teams in the same qualifying group.
Brugha were in that group and, after beating Drogheda 11-7 in their opening game, they went down 6-9 to Corrib and 5-13 to St Vincent’s.
There are three National League matches down for decision on Sunday at the Leisureplex in Lisburn where the big game is the local derby between Brugha and Clonard (5pm).
Brugha (holders) have had the upper hand in these games in recent years, but they are under pressure this time.
For a variety of reasons they are without Ireland captain Johnny Donnelly, Chris Devlin, Adrian Hanna and Dermot Campfield on Sunday.
New Clonard captain Paul Armstrong will have a big opportunity for a morale-boosting start to his new responsibilities.
Donegall Diamonds entertain Glenalbyn in the women’s league (4pm) and Brugha’s second team play Drogheda in the men’s Division Two (6pm).
