In the final Northern Women's Cross-Country League meeting at Cleckheaton, the Wallasey Athletic Club team took second place to Bury and Radcliffe AC. The defeat meant that Wallasey were beaten into second place in the final league position by only four points after having won the first two meetings.
The Bury club's performance was nothing less than brilliant, after finishing third in the first meeting, they improved to second at Bolton, and finally pulled out their very best performance at Cleckheaton.
Barbara Banks maintained her unbeaten record, winning by 18 secs, after leading the whole way, giving her the individual award - yet another great performance. Unfortunately, the rest of the team were not quite on top form; Margaret Ashcroft dropping three places on her last league run to eighth place, and with Janice Watts 27th. Wallasey had to wait nearly 20 places for their third counter, a decisive weakness.
It had been hoped that the return of Shanea O'Dell travelling up from London specially for the meeting, would reduce the gap, unfortunately Shanea could only manage 31st place, well below her best form; Mary Caldwell also failed to produce any extra form, although completing the series with admirable consistency in 34th place. Helen Thomas completed the team in 52nd place.
In the intermediate race, Susan Lloyd was the club's only representative, finishing 31st; in the junior race Llyn Carter led the team home in 57th place, with Vivian Higginson and Christine Horobin close behind in 61st and 62nd place.
At Arrowe Park, Wallasey Athletic Club had 12 seniors competing in the second Liverpool & District League meeting. The course looked fast enough to give Dave Lockley a real chance of defeating Ron Barlow who just beat him in the first league meeting.
Dave shared the early lead with Tim Overington (Wirral AC), but after two miles was in trouble, the after effects of over training the week before taking effect, forcing Dave to drop to 19th place at the end of the six miles.
Running well for Wallasey was Dave Lindsey, who worked his way steadily through the field to eighth place. John Wright finished 17th after a steady race, leaving Barrie Smith over the final three-mile circuit, to finish 22nd - an improved run.
Mike Teahan also had a better run to beat club colleague Mike Whiteside, who faded after a fast start, finishing 33rd and 35th.
Behind them in 42nd place was Dave Hughes, after working his way slowly up the field, with Carl Gee not completely fit in 58th place, and Robin Tarrant 64th.
Wallasey took fourth place in the team race, Sutton Harriers winning from Wirral AC and Warrington AC. Peter Roberts (Sutton Harriers) won from team mate and League Champion Ron Barlow.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 19/12/1970
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