BRIAN McCusker tackled his first National Division Two Canoe Slalom event after being promoted from Division Three in his first full season since 1991. On Saturday McCusker s first run showed a lot of promise with a reasonably fast time and a single two s

BRIAN McCusker tackled his first National Division Two Canoe Slalom event after being promoted from Division Three in his first full season since 1991.

On Saturday McCusker's first run showed a lot of promise with a reasonably fast time and a single two second penalty putting him in sixth place despite the rain and extreme wind conditions, that saw a large number of competitors pick up 50 second penalties for missed gates.

His second run was not quite as good, incurring two more penalties, which saw him drop an overall place to finish seventh with the same time as the fifth placed competitor but with second runs included for separating the final positions.

His result was however good enough to gain first place for the divisional veteran for competitors over 30.

Improved conditions the following day enticed a larger number of entrants.

McCusker's first run with a fast time with no penalties saw him in the top five as conditions improved, but so did some of the competition,

And his second run was no improvement on his first, and he dropped to eighth place.

Once again he proved to be the top divisional veteran taking the trophy for the second day in a row.

With a limited number events remaining that McCusker will be unable to make, his positioning for next season looks to be reasonably well assured in the top of the division.