Even without two of the club's strongest runners competing because of school commitments and a heavy cold Wallasey Athletic Club youths' team scored a runaway victory at Arrowe Park last Saturday.
The three-mile course was well-worn by the time the youths started. The mud was churned up by the colts and boys races. The overnight rain had made the course heavy going, the problem not being eased by the strong head wind on the main, uphill section of the course. Performances throughout the day reflected the necessity of the recently introduced, heavy training schedule. After the short one mile lap Rick Hemmings was with a small breakaway group of five, followed closely by Kevin McGee, and the rest of the Wallasey runners. Rick lost ground during the last mile or so to be overtaken by Kevin who finished third. Rick finishing fifth. The other counting members of the team were Alan Smith, in third place and Tommy Bond 14th. Our other runners were Keith McAlister, in 19th position, and Phil Ashley, 23rd.
Earlier in the day the D'Arcy brothers, Philip and Stephen, ran in the colts' race, Phil decided on Thursday that he would race, being somewhat reluctant to do so earlier on in the week. Stephen, his brother, should not be forgotten. Two years younger than Phil, and not really old enough to race, he finished an excellent 20th of the 59 strong field.
The boys' race was disappointing. Even though the boys ran well as a team, they were too far back to produce any threat to other teams. The lack of race experience was the main contribution to this mediocre performance which, I am sure, will not be repeated next week at Sherdley. Park, St. Helens. For Mark Pagdin and Gary McEneany this was the first cross-country race for the club, their performance far from reflected their potential Stuart Moran, on the other hand, started well but finished badly. If Doug Hanna hadn't have dropped out of the junior/senior race, Wallasey A.C. would have finished a team; the first time for many months. Injury and lack of training, however, forced him to withdraw after only two of the six miles of the race. The rest of the team, with the exception of Dave McAlister, who it reputedly a sprinter and not a cross-country runner couldn't really have felt too pleased about their performances. Bob Brimage was first home for Wallasey in 39th place followed by Pete Smith, 66th, Noel Williams, 78th, Len Durkin, 82nd, and Dave McAlister 92nd.
Members wanting details of next Saturday's race, November 6, can obtain them from Doug Hanna. It is hoped that as many, if not more members will turn out for this next race based on which will be selection of the team to represent Merseyside in an inter-league match.
After the disruption caused by the schools' half-term holidays, the club's training will be back to normal next Monday, November 1.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 30/10/1976
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