Wallasey Athletic Club took a small but capable group of boys and youths to Oldham last week-end and in atrocious conditions, conquered both the inclement weather and eight opposing clubs in a series of cross-country races.
In the boys' event, Wallasey's Peter Martin soon established himself at the head of the 36 starters and in fact was never headed in the course of the 2½ mile race.
Peter was ably supported by Stephen Scully who held 5th position for most of the race only to fade out to seventh position at the end finish with Robert Winstanley catching his colleague at the line for eighth place and the same time of 13 minutes 15 seconds just 30 seconds behind the winner, whilst Alan Ostler who had been left at the start, threaded his was gradually through the field to finish in tenth place in 13:24. Wallasey won the team race with 16 points with Lancaster and Morecambe 20 pts. with Preston third on 36 pts.
To be fair Wallasey were the only club to complete a full team in the 4½ mile youths' event, but with Bob Warburton in second place, Bob Brimage fourth and Roy McGurn eighth, it is probable that the outcome would have been the same had the other dubs taking part been able to close in a full complement of runners. Wallasey would still have triumphed but not by default.
Ladies' captain, Barbara Banks called into the Commonwealth athletes squad this week-end for training at Crystal Palace and in her absence Margaret Ashcroft will carry the flag for Wallasey at the second Northern counties cross-country races which are staged at Bingley, Yorkshire.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 15/11/1969
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