Peter Hall (Barrow A.C.), now in his first senior year, rocketed to the forefront at Blackburn on Saturday by defeating a select field of topgrade cross-country runners representing Lancashire, Northumberland and Durham, and Cheshire, in the first intercounties cross-country fixture ever held between counties of the north.
In the absence of Gerry North, the English champion, who is suffering from tonsilitis, David Swarbrick (Blackpool) became first favourite, and took the lead from the start of the seven miles race which was run over three laps of heavy, hilly country.
Ron Barlow (Wallasey A.C. and Cheshire) was the first Merseysider to finish in eighth position. Next was Neil Thompson (Liverpool H.) a Lancashire reserve, who beat Cheshire's next counter, Brian Woolford by three seconds.
Results: -
Lancashire, 24 points: 1, P. Hall (35mins 6 secs); 2, C. Robinson (35-16); 3, D. Swarbrick (35-19); 5, D. Hopkinson (35-32); 6, R. Carter (35-41); 7, G. Entwistle (35-56)
Northumberland & Durham (72 points): 4 G. Hillen (35-30): 10, J. Alder (36-34); 11, G. Freeman (36-39); 14, T. Laybourne (37-6); 15, R. Bell (37-10); 18, W. Dance (37-54)
Cheshire (116 points): 8, R. Barlow (36-17); 16, B. Woolford (37-15); 20, D. Biddle (38-19); 21, D. Sutton (38-23); 24, A. Morten (39-11); 27, K. Mather (40-40).
County Championship. Cheshire 2 Durham 0; Yorkshire 1 Lancashire 2.
Ends
Source - Unknown - Friday, 26/10/1962
Ref 3027