Cragg runner-up in US collegiates

ALASTAIR CRAGG, who has recently declared for Ireland and made himself available for selection for next month's European cross-country championships, finished second in yesterday's American national collegiate cross-country championships at Indiana State University.

Cragg, born in South Africa and a student at the University of Arkansas, finished third last year but went one better this time, just pipped by Jorge Torres of Colorado who won in 29 mins 04 secs, two seconds faster than the man who is being heralded as Ireland's new sensation.

Grant Robinson, third in 29:36, led Stanford to the team title with Mick Byrne's Iona College squad 10th. Richard Kiplagat led them home in 14th place with Joe McAlister 62nd and Mark Smyth 82nd scoring.

Villanova, coached by Marcus O'Sullivan, were 12th, with Ray Treacy's Providence 13th featuring Pat Guidera 123rd and Martin Fagan, Mullingar, in his first year, 204th. News of Alastair Cragg's performance will come as sweet music to the ears of the Irish selectors who are due to name their teams for Croatia today.

He has informed international secretary Liam Hennessy that he would be available and they awaited news of yesterday's race before handing him his first international. They are likely to name the first four in Sunday's National Inter-Counties Championships, Seamus Power, Fiachra Lombard, Mark Kennelly and Cathal Lombard - the first three automatic choices - along with Keith Kelly and Cragg.