The weather was none too kind to Wallasey Athletic Club last Saturday for the first of the Liverpool & District Cross-Country Leagues at Sherdley Park, St. Helens.
The perpetual drizzle had made some parts of the all grassland course quite muddy; spiked shoes were the order of the day those without suffering noticeably.
The first race over a two-mile lap for the colts age group. Seventy-three finished the race. Wallasey had a team of four competing, all in their first cross-country for the club.
First home for Wallasey was Colin Murphy in 38th place in 13 min. 36 secs; next was Philip D'Arcy in 44th place in 14 min. 13 secs. Extremely good performances from both of these.
Third home for Wallasey was Mark Wigfield, the youngest member of the team, in 14 min. 59 secs. and fourth was Gary Henwood suffering through not wearing spikes in 15 min. 40 secs.
The next race was for boys age group over a 2¾ mile course. A better start to the season couldn't have been asked for. Due to other commitments there were only three of the four needed for a team place. There were only 70 finishers in this race. Richard Hemmings being placed in an impressive 14th position in 13 min. 43 secs. Dave Southern and Kevin McGee were the other two runners and they placed impressively in 21st and 25th position with respective times of 14 min. 01 secs. and 14 mins. 10 secs.
The youths in the next race were not quite so impressive but I am sure that they will make amends the next time.
Chris Wright, usually a high placing athlete, only managed to finish 19th over the 4 mile course in 25 min. 41 secs., again he wore no spikes. Tommy Bond was our only other finisher in this race, he finished 27th in 27 min. 31 secs.
Juniors and seniors competed together in the last race over a 3 lap course of 6¾ miles. Our only runner in this race was Peter Jones, a 400 metre specialist. His race developed into a personal combat between himself and the 'one in front'.
He finished 68th in 43 mins. 13 secs.
It is hoped to take full teams in all age groups next time, 15th inst. Should any members wish to make up the teams then 'you'd better turn up for some training hadn't you'. Offers to help from parents for transport or any other odd jobs would be most appreciated.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Friday, 07/11/1975 by D.H.
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