Wallasey A.C. members travelled to Sale for a young athlete's cross-country meeting.
The weather, living up to tradition, was diabolical with snow, rain and hail. The races were run on what appeared to be marshland with large puddles and thick slippery mud everywhere.
The under-nine girls' race of ¾ mile saw Karen Simpson finish 28th to win herself a spot prize of Easter eggs.
In the under-nine boys' race, also ¾ mile, newcomer Anthony Butler had the best race of the day coming through the field to finish third. Anthony's efforts were rewarded with a plaque.
Also in the race was Phillip Winstanley (32nd) and Ian Johnson (54th) who both ran well to help the team finish in seventh position out of 16 teams.
The under-11 girls' race was run over a mile course. Wallasey had an incomplete team but Paula Simpson ran well to finish in seventh place after falling at the start. Suzanne Nuttall ran extremely well to finish in tenth position. With a third runner the team could well have finished high up in the placings.
The under-11boys' race was also a mile course. Mark McQuade lost his shoe in the mud and had to stop and retrieve it, but he carried on to finish the race well.
The under-13 girls' relay race was the final event for Wallasey athletes. Collette Winstanley, who moves up to junior ladies' level this year on the track, was the first off for the team. By this time the course was in a disgusting state but Collette did well to finish
in ninth position. Michelle Bellringer ran the second leg and, despite falling in the mud, finished about 20th. Lynne McCartney ran the final leg. Lynne, relatively new in competing for Wallasey A.C., showed a lot of determination, strength and promise to finish in 16th place.
All those who competed deserve a pat on the back for turning out in such conditions. The same also goes for Alan Johnson, Keith Simpson, Ruth Winstanley, Marg Johnson and Joanne Johnson for their support on the day.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Thursday, 03/04/1986
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