Wallasey Athletic Club provided the fastest youth of the day in the H.S. Finney cross-country relays last Saturday at Clarkes Garden, Liverpool. The course, supposedly over a 1¼ mile lap, but more like a 2¼ mile lap was particularly heavy going in parts and confusing to follow, writes D.H.
Sixteen teams were entered in the boys' and youths' relay, consisting of two boys and two youth's two of them were from Wallasey.
The first runner for the 'A' team was the ever improving Rick Hemmings, who provided the fastest time of the day for the boys' age group who handed over to Dave Southern in second place. Kevin McGee ran the first leg for the 'B' team and finished strongly in 6th position. Paul Delap, a useful recent 'find' for the club from Mosslands Comprehensive School pulled that team up to 5th position.
Now it was the turn of the youths, Dave Southern handed over to Phil Ashley, making a welcome return after his lay-off, in second place. We have four excellent youths in the club but the larger clubs, like Liverpool Harriers, have many more. They obviously will have stronger youths, the rivalry for the 'A' team position being more intense.
Wallasey athletes are not worried about these big clubs and proved it when Phil came in in 3rd position and this was retained by Chris Wright, the fastest runner in the race. The 'B' team, through Dave McAlister and Tommy Bond, finished in 6th place.
The seniors in their 4 x 3½ mile relay, also showed signs of the team's improvement when they finished in overall 13th position of the 32 teams entered. John Wright, Chris's father, ran the first leg for the Wallasey team and returned in 9th place with the club's fastest time.
Bob Brimage ran next, and finished one place higher up the field in 8th position. Next off was Pete Jones, the club's indoor exponent, who injured himself in the gym the previous Tuesday; he dropped 6 places to 14th. This didn't deter from the enthusiasm of Rod Dixon. He moved up one place to finish 13th after a hard fought last 800 metres to try and gain 12th place.
Full results are not yet known of the previous week's exploits of the female members. What is certain, however, is that here again the club is gradually building up its strength.
The Merseyside races were won by Barbara Majumdar (nee Banks) and second place went to another Wallasey members, Sue Lloyd. The Cheshire's were on the same day and they were won by Margaret Ashcroft, yet another club member. Some of the younger girls also ran well in these races unfortunately these are unknown results.
As a club without any permanent headquarters relying on the generosity of the headmaster of St. George's Middle School, Mr. Bradshaw, during term time and the Girl Guides Association on many Saturdays we are indeed proud of our achievements in the last two years. We have a right to be and will always welcome any new members who have the same determination to succeed as the present members.
Will all club members please make special note that the annual handicap will be held from the ??? on Saturday 29th December the course can be ?????? 13th for all ?????ing at 2:45 p.m.
H.S. Finney Relay results
Boys/Youths Relay
'A' team: Rick Hemmings 2nd, 13m 24s: Paul Southern 2nd, 13m 44s: Paul Ashley 3rd, 13m 58s: Chris Wright 3rd, 12m 13s.
'B' team: Kevin McGee 6th, 13m 53s: P. Delap 5th, 14m 10s: D. McAlister 6th, 15m 04s: T. Bond 6th, 14m 46s.
Senior Relay: John Wright 9th, 19m 37s: Bob Brimage 8th, 20m 04s: Pete Jones 14th, 21m 33s: Rod Dixon 13th, 21m 25s.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Friday, 12/12/1975
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