Last Saturday, the day after the devastating storm, which put an end to just about all local outdoor sports, Wallasey Athletic Club competed in the Cheshire Cross-Country Championships. These were run around a tree-strewn course at Arrowe Park.
The course, not the easiest on the best of days, was not as muddy as the heavy rain-fall had indicated it might be, but was certainly not made easier by the strong winds and detours around the trees.
The laps were two miles long with an additional one mile lap to suit the youths and senior races. The colts' race was two miles long and run over one large lap. Wallasey's team hopes were dashed when Phil D'Arcy was forced to retire with an ankle injury.
Fortunately this was not too serious and he should be fully fit for this week's races.
The other three members of the team ran well, but perhaps not up to their usual standard. A mix-up at the finish meant that no times were recorded for most of the colts.
The boys' team ran over the same two-mile course and finished overall fifth team.
Richard Hemmings of Eaton Avenue ran a good tactical race to finish in 6th position. This gives him a well deserved place in the Cheshire team for the inter-counties championships being held on January 24 in Shropshire. It's a long time, since Wallasey A.C. provided any runners for the Cheshire Cross-Country team and again indicates the steady improvement of the club through individual efforts.
Two youths from Wallasey A.C. ran in the three-mile race for them, Tommy Bond having to run out through a persistent hip injury. Chris Wright ran below par to finish 15th and will have to wait to see whether or not he gets a place in the Cheshire youths team.
The three seniors/juniors in their seven-mile race ran better than expected. John Wright, Rod Dixon and Rob Stanley finished strongly and were well pleased with their performances.
The bad weather obviously put some runners off the race. It is, however, hoped that they will turn out on Saturday for the Liverpool & District Championships over the same course.
The first race is at 1.30 pm and changing is at Woodchurch Community Centre. Runners should meet at Mosslands Drive by 12.15 p.m. If members intend to run please contact Doug Hanna before hand in order that adequate transport can be provided and team declarations can be made.
The club has entered teams in all age groups and hopes that full teams will compete.
RESULTS
Colts two miles Ian Fennelly, 82nd. Gary Henwood 76th, Mark Wigfield 73rd.
Senior seven miles John Wright, 43rd, 42min 10secs; Rod Dixon 55th, 44 min 49 secs; Rob Stanley 67th, 46 min 32 secs
Boys two miles Rick Hemmings 6th,12min 12secs; Kevin McGee 26th, 12min 49secs; Paul Delap 27th, 12min 52secs; Dave Southern 43rd, 13min 34secs; Nick Robinson 57th, 13min 51secs; Keith McAlister 67th, 14min 14secs; Neil Tunstall 74th, 14min 54secs.
Youths three mile Chris Wright 15th, Phil Ashley 40th.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Friday, 09/01/1976
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