The second of the three Liverpool & District Cross-Country Leagues was held last Saturday, 15th inst., at Clarke Gardens, Allerton.
The rain had been falling heavily and made the course rather slippery, it stopped before the colts and boys races but came down heavily again throughout the senior race, writes Doug Hanna.
Wallasey Athletic Club's teams were somewhat depleted because of a clash with a schools' meeting staged in Warrington and some illness. Those who did turn out, however, again ran well, indicating the gradual build up towards the much more important championship events starting shortly, is going to plan.
Runners in the colts event, i.e. those under 13 last September 1st, ran over a one lap course of 1½ miles. We had three runners, who all ran well, in this race. First home for us in a creditable 15th place was Philip D'Arcy in 9 min. 39 secs. next was Gary Henwood, wearing his spikes this time; in 31st position with a time of 10 mins. 26 secs. Not having the best of days was Carl Noble. He did however finish in 46th position with a time of 11 mins. 45 secs.
Richard Hemmings, selected to run this Saturday, 22nd inst, for the Liverpool & District area decided shortly after the start of the race to withdraw with his knee injury. Kevin McGee and newcomer Paul Delap continued, however, to finish excellently in 14th and 16th positions.
Kevin had played football in the morning and Paul had no spikes which must have made them both perform below their true form. The respective times for them were 13 mins. 32 secs. and 13 mins. 42 secs. The distance of their run was 2¼ miles over a two lap Course.
There was no youths' racing for us here this week through enforced rest and the previously mentioned school commitment.
As last time there was only one finisher in the jnr/snr race, this was Rod Dixon. He ran well to finish in 41st position in 41 mins. 34 secs. The course was 6 miles long and consisted of three laps.
Those athletes who haven't been competing recently may wish to do so in the last league on the 29th in West Derby, should this be so, please contact Doug Hanna as soon as possible. Transport is always a problem and offers of help, from senior members, active and non-active, and parents are always welcome; again please contact Doug Hanna if you can help.
The club now has another graded track official in Doug Hanna, who was recently upgraded to 3.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Friday, 21/11/1975
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