Wallasey Athletic Club's' men's section took part last weekend in the Liverpool & District cross-country championships at Arrowe Park, where each runner found that a thick fog surrounded all but the nearest of his opponents.
The boys` team could not earn any medals this time, but Steve Scully ran very strongly and was the team's first counter, in 21st place. Bob Winstanley produced another good run to finish closely behind Steve at 23rd. Pete Martin, Alan Osler and Gwyn Griffiths struggled to finish 29th, 30th and 31st respectively. Geoff Beech and Mike Vick completed the finishing
Order, running below form.
The story in the youths' race, was a happier one with Wallasey's team finishing comfortably in second place behind Pembroke runners, who are currently one of the strongest contenders for the
national title. Bob Brimage assumed the task of extending the field and produced some aggressive front running to lead after half a mile.
However, having thus shown his partners what opposition was left after a fast introduction, Bob faded in finishing thirteenth, Bob Warburton again excelled over the three mile course finishing sixth, and only nineteen month elapsed before Roy McGurn and Gary Fair finished behind him at 9th and 10th.
The seniors, not at full strength, then raced over seven miles, with Dave Lockley finishing tenth and also the winning the junior championship. Phil Wealthy again ran well, to finish 36th, and Mike Teahan and Mike Whiteside, who have both shown a marked improvement over the last month, finished well at 38th and 43rd. Len Durkin's 66th place was perhaps disappointing but John Lynch's 74th place compared very favourably with his previous week's performance.
Most of the club's runners will have a break from racing today, although Margaret Ashcroft travels to London to compete at Enfield in a ladies' 4,000 metres cross-country novice championship - for those who have not so far won a major championship race, and an excellent performance is expected. Junior Dave Lockley, on the other hand, who also races today, for Cheshire in the inter-counties championship at Derby, most certainly has his work cut out, against the nation's top senior men but his characteristic grit will undoubtedly show.
Nearer home, the Wallasey Schools Championships for the three age groups for girls will be held today over sand-hill courses at Leasowe.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 17/01/1970
Ref 1551