HOLDER Mervyn Owens (Mallow) was first off the tee at Lahinch yesterday morning when he successfully began the defence of his title against Eddie Power (Kilkenny) in a 7am start to the South of Ireland Irish Shell-sponsored championship.

THERE were trebles for jockey John Thomas McNamara and trainer Enda Bolger at a successful Limerick Harriers Hunt Point-to-Point at Lemonfield yesterday.