Collins scales the heights on Ballyward
Brittas, Co. Dublin, 4 June 2009
Aidan Collins survived the assault of the Ballyward climb at the end of the 9th round of the Inter-Club League to secure a fine second place, moving to 4th overall in the standings in the process.
Collins just lost out to fellow Semi-Limit group rider John Lynch (Staggs Lucan) in the last gasp dash to the line after four laps of the Lakes Circuit, bagging ten points which will help promote the Orwell man to Semi-Scratch.
In contrast to the hailstones which strafed the riders on the last outing at Brittas, balmy sunshine greeted the riders on Thursday night, the resultant huge turnout producing non-stop action throughout.
The large Semi-Limit Group soon gathered up the three Limit riders and set about holding off the baying pack behind. The Semi-Scratch Group engaged in some half-hearted attacking which slowed progress and allowed the Scratch riders to get on terms early on lap two.
Relentless attacking from the resultant large group affected the chase and the hard working Semi-Limit group was still intact turning right to scale Ballyward.
The bunch behind had chased down a move initiated by Stephen Surdival approaching the final hill and the leaders mopped up most of the Semi-Limit survivors on the final charge to the line.
However, Lynch, Collins and Darragh Zaidan (Staggs Lucan CRC) held on for a fine result which makes Collins the leading Orwell rider in the league.
Results
1. John Lynch (Staggs lucan CRC)
2. Aidan Collins (Orwell Wheelers DTC)
3. Darragh Zaidan (Staggs Lucan CRC)
4. Shane baker (Usher Irish Road Club)
5. Paul Dolan (Usher Irish Road Club)
6. Neil Delahaye (Usher Irish Road Club)
Next round: Batterstown DMS, June 11th
