Mel Schless, of Wallasey, who came second in the Cheshire Championship last month, excelled himself in last Saturday's English Schools' Cross-Country Championships, taking eighth place in the intermediate event. This made him the first counter for the Cheshire team, which came eighth overall.
Over a thousand athletes took part in the championships, at Graves Park, Sheffield, where the weather was fine but there were many complaints about the organisation, the amenities, the meals provided, and some hazards of the course, which also included gruelling hills and was a test for the most experienced runner.
Runners were constantly falling over and quite a few were taken to hospital. These included one Cheshire runner, Tim Greggory of Lymm Grammar School, who was treated for shock.
In the junior race, Phil Keating, who only just scraped into the Cheshire team by the skin of his teeth, ran very well to finish in 109th place, fifth counter for his team. Bob Brimage, who should have been somewhat higher, finished 226th. Cheshire was seventh in this event.
The senior team, weakened by the absence of three runners from Birkenhead School who were told at the last minute by their headmaster to back out, ran a very poor race and came 24th.
Tommy Jones from Wallasey G.S. (who won in the Cheshire Schools' championships) came 95th. Steve Walker, who had not been able to train for the two and a half weeks before the race and did not intend to run, finished 202nd.
Mike Weatherilt dropped out for no apparent reason, and B. J. Knox, a new member of Wallasey Athletic Club, finished 193 rd. although he was Cheshire fifth reserve.
Members of Wallasey A.C. were also running at St. Helens last week. The senior 'A' team did exceptionally well in the seven-mile road race by coming third with 79 points. Brian Woolford, reliable as usual, was placed 12th with a time of 36 mins. 16 secs. Ron Barlow, using the race to test his injured leg after almost a year's absence from running, finished 15th, while John Wright ran exceptionally well, holding onto Ron Barlow, to the bitter end and finishing 16th, only 10 seconds behind him. Barrie Smith completed the team and finished in 36th position.
The individual winner of the event was Martin Craven of Kendal, 34 mins. 34 secs. The winning team was Longwood with 22 points, Sutton (the hosts) coming second with 58 points.
Wallasey's 'B' consisted of Ken Rosso, who finished 73rd, Mike Teahan, 75th, Doug Hanna. 79th and Len Durkin, whose stomach was troubling him, 86th. The team totalled 313 points.
There were 114 runners who finished, and this was a very good day for Wallasey.
In the boys' race, Pete Lewis was first home for Wallasey in 24th place, Ian Wilson was second in 30th position and Mike Potter was 35th.
Wallasey Athletic Club have entered teams in today's Sale Road Relays for youths, boys and colts.
Two youths' teams will be chosen from Dave Lockley, Tommy Jones, Mike Weatherilt, Steve Walker, B. J. Knox. Phil Wealthy, John Horobin, Bob McCaig and Nick Bowan.
Boys' team from Mel Schless, Pete Lewis, Garry Little, Ian Wilson and Mike Potter. Colts' team: Phil Keating, Bob Brimage, Gary Fair.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 25/03/1967 by Carlisle
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