The West Lancashire Cross-Country Championship at Wordern Park, Leyland, on Saturday, will be the poorer for the absence of Gerry North, the inter-counties' champion, who will be competing on the Continent this week-end. Without his domination of the race, there will be a great struggle to capture the title, with his younger brother, Geoffrey, determined to uphold the family honour.
Indeed, Geoffrey North's fourth place in the county championship, and 10th place in the inter-counties, should give him every confidence. Should Brian Craig, his clubmate from Blackpool, compete however, he will force the pace from the start and make a stronger challenge than at Leicester a fortnight ago when he was just recovering from illness.
Apart from these two county representatives, the West Lancashire strength lies on Merseyside, and Geoff Warriner, of Pembroke, will be the one most likely to apply the pressure.
Brian Woolford, of Wallasey, ran particularly well in the inter-counties race at Leicester, as did Martyn Cranny of Wirral A.C.
These two may succeed in putting themselves in front of Warriner for the first time this season in championship events; Pembroke are still strong enough to win the team race.
Ends
Source - Liverpool Echo - Wednesday, 31/01/1962
Ref 3008