At this year's Northern Women's Athletic Championships, Barbara Banks, recently voted Wallasey's sports personality 1968-9, finished third in the 1500 metres, in a top class time of 4 mins. 38 secs.
This time ranks Barbara in the top ten British 1500 metres runners.
At the Liverpool Parks and Gardens championships the following Wednesday, Barbara confirmed her good form by running her fastest ever 880 yards to win in 2 mins. 17 secs. Third in this race was Wallasey's Margaret Ashcroft.
Last Saturday, Wallasey held the third Merseyside Athletics meeting as part of the Wallasey Festival of Sport.
Although hit by the absence of some of the younger members, who were battling for honours at the Cheshire Schools Athletics, Wallasey athletes fared well over the day with many high individual placings.
David Lockley provided Wallasey with their first winner of the day in the 2,000 metres steeplechase. David ran an intelligent race to take the lead 1½ laps from home running strongly to the tape in a time of 5 mins. 58 secs. Barrie Smith was third in 6 mins. 3 secs.
Wallasey's field events competitors really went to town, earning points with no less than eight first places between them. Carol Huston placed first in the intermediate girls long jump, the 100 yards and the javelin, making her the star performer of the day. Gill Ackers, placed first in the 'B' long jump and the 'B' javelin to earn more valuable points.
One of the best single field events performances was Terry Leach's first place in the men's javelin with 146ft. 7ins.
Susan Lloyd and Barbara Shaw won the intermediate and senior girls high jumps with 3ft. 5ins. and 4ft. 2ins. respectively.
Barbara Banks and Margaret Ashcroft after finishing 2nd in 65 secs. and 4th. in 66 secs. respectively in the women's 440 yards, teamed up with another Wallasey girl to win the women's 3 x 880yds. relay race. In the senior high jump Alan Cheers finished 2nd with 5ft.
Today Wallasey's athletes visit Sale for an inter-club match and next week many are competing Northern men's championships at Blackburn.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Friday, 20/06/1969 by B.S.
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