Running in her first county cross-country championship, 14-year-old Pat Robertson, a pupil at Oldershaw Grammar School, brought distinction to herself and the Wallasey Athletic Club by leading the field of 26 runners home at Winnington Park, Northwich last Saturday.
Pat took the lead when the runners had only gone 300 yards and was never headed for the rest of the 1 ½ miles.
In the junior boys' event over the same course but with an added half-mile loop of flat grassland, Wallasey A.C., had two members running for the Technical Grammar School and two as individuals.
Paul Hughes led his team into fourth place with a total of 70 points, behind Ellesmere Port G.S., Mossley Hill G.S. and St. Ambrose College, the 'Tech' counters being Hughes 14th, Fair 13th, Warburton 21st and Brimage 24th. Geoff Wickham and Carl Gee also ran as individuals and placed 51st and 60th respectively from a field of 81 starters.
Wallasey boys took the lion's share of the medals in the senior race, the Athletic Club winning the silver and the 'Tech' the bronze awards. Melvin Schless settled into 4th place soon after the field of over 50 runners got away and stayed there throughout the remaining two miles. He was ably supported by Colin Reiners, who had a good run, in 6th place, fast finishing Keith Butler (10th) and Peter Lewis 24th. The remaining Wallasey runner, Ian Wilson, finished in 29th place.
The Technical G.S. placings were: A. Parkinson (13th), G. Davies (15th), R. Evans (23rd) and P. Wise (26th) for a total of 77 points, behind Mossley Hall G.S. who won with 33 points with Wallasey Athletic Club 2nd with 44 points.
Today, the club will attempt to retain the H. S. Finney Trophy which they won last year at Sutton, although the test has been made more difficult by Ron Barlow's injury failing to respond to treatment.
The 'Finney' is a relay of 4 x 3 miles cross-country and the 'A' team is expected to be Ron Barlow, Brian Woolford, Barrie Smith and Alan Keating. A 'B' team has been entered but with nine runners to choose from the selection will not be made until the last moment.
The youths' event is a 'straight' championship, and with Dave Lockley still on the injury list Wallasey's hopes rest with Johnny Jones who will be supported by Steve Walker, Phil Wealthy, John Horrobin and Mike Weatherilt, whilst in the boys' event Melvin Schless, Colin Reiners, Keith Butler and Peter Lewis will make their presence felt.
The club hold their annual Christmas handicap race next Saturday and a record number of runners is expected. In the evening there is to be a party at the club headquarters in Leasowe Road and all members are invited at 7:30 p.m.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 10/12/1966 by DISCOBOLUS
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