On Sunday, Wallasey Athletic Club under-15's competed in an open meeting at Stretford. This venue offers the best in terms of facilities and good class opposition and some of our athletes did themselves proud.
In the under-13 girls 100m Jane McCoy and Joanne Johnson battled it out all the way finishing joint fifth, recording a time of 15.5, both enjoyed the run but were disappointed with the rather slow time.
The 800 metres, under - 13 boys provided us with a win, Michael King taking the lead after 100 metres and finishing some 50 metres clear of second placed Dave Dasher, in a time of 2:29.8.
Dave Dasher, an up and coming newcomer to the club had his first run on a tartan track and recorded a time of 2:39.0, his elder sister Diane cleared 1.20m in the high jump, while Paul Johnson, one of the youngest members in the age group, suffering from the intense heat, shouldn't be too displeased with his run.
The under 15 boys 800m provided Tim Carr with a personal best performance of 2:23.4, shattering his previous best by some eight seconds. Timmy led for 500 metres, which was pleasing to see, as he has the ability but lacks the confidence to get amongst the leaders. This race proved that there is a talent waiting to be nurtured.
Rob Howarth, in the same race and having his first ever run for the club accounted himself very well finishing seventh in 2:29.8. Mark Cooper, who has run 2:09.4 this season, looked to be on for a fast time, but faded in the final 300 metres on what was a very hot day, finishing fourth with a time of 2:14.6. Mark should not be too disappointed with this as it was his twelfth competitive 800m of the season, one in which he has improved beyond all expectations.
The under-15 girls 800 metres was a close race, seven or eight girls finishing within six seconds of each other and Lisa O'Hara ran well finishing seventh in a time close to her best of 2:32.5. She also competed in the 200m by which time the rain, thunder and lightening had made conditions very sorry for some of the younger athletes. In this race she won very easily recording a time of 31.0 seconds a personal best.
Cheryl Dyer competed in the same event finishing fifth in 31.4. Cheryl having competed in the long jump and 100 metres. The under 13 girls 1500m was run in a rainstorm and Joanne Johnson again ran very well finishing third in a time 5:23.2.
The last event, the 75m hurdles, three athletes were competing over the hurdles for the first time and Mike King came out a winner in a time of 14.9 seconds. Joanne and Jane again had a tremendous battle, dead heating, both given the same time of 16.7 seconds. Mike looked very good clearing the hurdles and with some training who knows.
Kerry Eaton competing in the shot, finished fourth with a throw of 5.69m while elder brother Ray competed in the high jump, clearing 1.30m then went on to record 13.7 seconds in the 100m.
It was a good day out despite the thunderstorm halfway through the afternoon and once again shows the progress being made by some of the established members and the newcomers of Wallasey A.C.
We meet Mondays and Tuesdays at Wallasey Rugby Club, Cross Lane, at 7p.m. Many youngsters and teenagers are encouraged to join us, particularly the female section and they can obtain further information by ringing Alan Johnson, club captain on 638 3435.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 30/07/1983 by Alan Johnson
Ref 1980