Club Race Reports Season 2006-2007
Borders League
Race 1 - Capenhurst - 08/10/2006 - Seniors
The first fixture of the new season took place on a warm Sunday morning in Capenhurst. A flat 2 lap course of 5.3 miles was packed with Wallasey runners. The men were making there first division one appearance and finished an excellent 4th place despite missing some of the faster runners. Good packing enabled Wallasey to maintain a low score. The ladies finished fourth in division 2. First man home was Tony Barbat (22nd) with Joe Johnson showing good form next (45th). Nicci Davies (39th) was first lady counter.
Race 2 - Caernarfon - 12/11/2006 - Seniors
Wallasey runners travelled to Caernarfon for the second Borders League fixture with high hopes of a good score. Usually not many travel to this 10K race however, 261 runners completed the course and absence and injury affected the men's score. First man home was Tony Barbat (23rd) and he was followed by Keith McLaughlin who attained his highest position to date in 38th. 19 male runners scored for Wallasey and despite some brave efforts from athletes carrying injuries the team score left Wallasey in the relegation places. The ladies team was well represented with 8 runners taking part. First lady home was Anne Taylor-Kilbane (21st). Nicci Davies (43rd) and Sue Barraclough (53rd) completed the ladies scorers. There were also personal bests for Julie Barbat and Gemma Tite.
Race 3 - Prestatyn - 10/12/2006 - Seniors
A strong crosswind buffeted the runners at the third borders fixture of the season along the promenade at Prestatyn. 20 men and 4 ladies completed the course for Wallasey A.C., Mike Stanley was welcomed back after a long period out with injury and a fine run saw him finish in 15th place. First man to complete the 5.1 mile course was Tony Barbat in 14th place, the men's team finished 6th in division one and are still haunted by the threat of relegation. First lady home was Anne Taylor-Kilbane, the other counters being Rachael Saunders and Julie Barbat. The ladies finished in 4th place in division 2.
A strong crosswind buffeted the runners at the third borders fixture of the season along the promenade at Prestatyn. 20 men and 4 ladies completed the course for Wallasey A.C., Mike Stanley was welcomed back after a long period out with injury and a fine run saw him finish in 15th place. First man to complete the 5.1 mile course was Tony Barbat in 14th place, the men's team finished 6th in division one and are still haunted by the threat of relegation. First lady home was Anne Taylor-Kilbane, the other counters being Rachael Saunders and Julie Barbat. The ladies finished in 4th place in division 2.
Race 4 - Christleton - 04/02/2007 - Seniors
On a sunny, crisp day Wallasey had 28 runners participating in race 4 of the Borders league. A new and mildly undulating course at Christleton weaved through the Cheshire countryside with a variety of surfaces. The runners had to traverse road, mud and even cobblestones over three narrow bridges. 18 men and 5 ladies completed the course for Wallasey A.C., Tony Barbat was first man to complete the 9.5 kilometre course in 32nd place in 34:55, the men's team finished 5th in division one and although this was an improvement it was not enough to lift them out of the bottom two as the host club West Cheshire turned out a strong team on their home soil. The ladies had more success finishing second on the day and moved up to 3rd place in division 2 only 13 points behind second placed team. First lady home was Anne Taylor-Kilbane, the other counters being Rachael Saunders and Gemma Tite. Highlight of the day goes to Gill and Les Pullin for some excellent refreshments. John Cottrell and Pete Lonsdale lie second in their age categories.
Race 5 - Mold - 18/03/2007 - Seniors
As a special treat for Mother's Day the ladies were allowed to run up and down some of the gentle slopes around Mold! Again a sunny, crisp day greeted Wallasey's 26 runners competing in the 5th race in the Borders League. 21 men and 5 ladies completed the course for Wallasey A.C., Steve Wikinson outsprinted Joe Johnson at the line to be first man home in 30th place in 29:38 for the 5 mile course. The men's team finished 4th in division one and made up ground on other relegation battlers Prestatyn and Eryri, this now gives the men's team an opportunity to avoid relegation. Club captain Dave Walton said "Excellent performance. I believe it gives us a fighting chance of staying in the top division". The ladies finished 4th on the day and retained 3rd place in division 2 but slipped further behind Deestriders. First lady home was Ann Taylor-Kilbane, the other counters being Nicci Davies and Louise Merivale. Once again Gill and Les Pullin laid on some excellent refreshments. Pat Riley, Steve Wilkinson, Mark Beckett, Paul Richardson, Mike Griffiths, Anne Taylor-Kilbane, Derek McArdle and Joe Johnson all achieved their highest ever Borders League finish even more remarkable considering the increased numbers participating this year.
Race 6 - Northop - 15/04/2007 - Seniors
The penultimate race in the Borders League series for 2006-2007 was held at Northop. Although the route was shorter than the club was originally informed the course and the warm weather challenged Wallasey's runners. Joe Johnson showing excellent form prior to his London Marathon run was first man home, Anne Talylor-Kilbane once again led the ladies home. Club captain Dave Walton said "Well done to all who ran on Sunday. It was indeed a testing course made even more difficult by the soaring temperatures. Wallasey were again well represented with 20 men and 5 women running and they all produced a great performance. The men finished a creditable 5th place on the day but unfortunately for us both Eryri Harriers and Prestatyn had exceptional scores leaving us in a relegation position with only one race remaining. The ladies had a terrific result with first place on the day and consolidating 3rd place overall."
Race 7 - Wrexham - 04/05/2007 - Seniors
The Borders League series drew to a close for 2006-2007 on a warm evening in Wrexham. A fast flat course was tackled by 30 Wallasey runners with the ladies having their largest contingent in the club's Borders League short history. The ladies were vying for a promotion spot and valiantly won the division two team race on the night but did not gain sufficient points to overhaul Deestriders, thus finishing in third position. The men battled bravely to come 5th but despite only finishing in the bottom two twice over the 7 race series somehow managed to find themselves bottom of the division and were therefore relegated to the second division. Front runners for the club were Mike Stanley and Joe Johnson for the men and Ann Taylor-Kilbane and Tricia Jones for the ladies. Shields were awarded for individual performances over the series to John Cottrell 2nd in the over 60 male category, Tony Barbat 5th in the over 45 male category, Matt Williams 3rd in the under 20 men, Pete Lonsdale 2nd in the over 65 male, Ann Taylor-Kilbane 4th over 40 ladies and Anne Brimage 3rd in the over 50 ladies category.
Mens' captain Dave Walton added "Despite being relegated from division one there has been many positives from the Borders league season. The number of athletes representing Wallasey AC at each race has varied between 18 in the last race and 23 in race 4 at Christleton. The total number of different athletes donning the famous scarlet and blue vest during the season is a remarkable 37, a prodigious achievement for a club of our size. Individual awards in their respective age categories go to Pete Lonsdale, John Cottrell, Tony Barbat and Matt Williams. Well done to them and all that have represented Wallasey A.C. throughout the season. Thanks to everyone for excellent support and I look forward to next years promotion battle".
Ladies captain Louise Merivale said "Whilst disappointed to have narrowly missed out on promotion to the 1st division, a great deal of credit has to go to all the ladies who took part in this season's Borders League series. The ladies showed great commitment and willingness to support their club throughout the season with some outstanding running. Although the Borders League is about the team and not individuals special credit has to go to Ann Taylor-Kilbane who in all her races finished inside the top 25 ladies and thoroughly deserved her overall award and 4th in age category. Great to see Tricia Jones back to racing ways at the back end of the season with 2 great performances. Julie Barbat and Anne Brimage with the best attendance of 5 out of 7 races. Well done to Anne Brimage who collected 2 individual awards, my sincere thanks goes to all the ladies for taking part with such energy and enthusiasm and if we work hard over the whole of next season we will hopefully secure our place in the top flight of Borders league running."
Liverpool & District XC Union
Race 1 - Beacon Park - 28/10/2006 - Seniors
A tough course at Beacon Park, Skelmersdale was attacked by 9 Wallasey runners. First home was Tony Barbat (33rd), the team finished 7th out of 12 teams. Other counters were Joe Johnson (42nd), Phil Cuthbert (49th), Greg Jones (55th), Chris Burke (57th) and captain Dave Walton (71st).
Race 2 - Sefton Park, Liverpool - 25/11/2006 - Seniors
Wallasey had their largest cross country team for many years out at the UKA Cross Challenge at Sefton Park. In muddy conditions that made the going much tough on what is normally a fast course. The mud at the top end of the course was particularly draining. Connor McArdle was the first Wallasey runner to tackle the route and finished a creditable 70th against a strong field in the under 15 boys category. Rachael Saunders made a valiant solo run in the ladies event and enjoyed the race, finishing in 156th place. The men had thirteen runners and finished in 7th place out of 14 teams. First man home was Tony Barbat in 195th place (35th in L&D), second was Joe Johnson 208th (41st). Pat Riley made a return to cross country running after 25 years and counted in the first six along with Greg Jones, Arthur Wilson and Richard Saunders.
Race 3 - Arrowe Park - 02/12/2006 - Seniors
Overnight rain made the 3 x 2 mile lap course at Arrowe Park slippery underfoot and the varied terrain made it difficult to establish a rhythm. Joe Johnson mastered the conditions and edged Tony Barbat out for first Wallasey man home. In the process Joe also managed to move up the finishing positions from an average of 40 to 28th. Other Wallasey counters were Greg Jones, Arthur Wilson, Pat Riley and cross country debutant Mark Beckett. Good packing saw Wallasey rise one place to sixth out of 13 teams.
Championships - Clarkes Garden - 11/02/2007 - Seniors
11 men and 2 ladies represented Wallasey at the Liverpool & District Cross Country Union Championships. Bright sunshine greeted the runners at Clarkes Garden, the conditions underfoot were wet but not particularly muddy. Fortunately nobody was hurt when a tree collapsed across the path of the runners, some great work by the marshalls allowed the race to continue. The race also doubled as the club championships and congratulations are due to Joe Johnson for the male title and Anne Taylor-Kilbane (5th lady) for the ladies. Tony Barbat, Mark Beckett, Phil Cuthbert, Greg Jones and Dave Walton completed the scoring six. The club finished 8th from 15 clubs of which 12 closed a team.
Cross Country Championships
Merseyside - Croxteth Park, Liverpool - 06/01/2007 - Mens
A new course at Croxteth Park was attempted by 18 of Wallasey's runners. The going was tough as the recent heavy rain made the course particularly muddy. The course was shortened after the lead runner ran through the finishing funnel rather than the remainder of the lap, marshalls had to make a quick decision on what to do and allowed all runners to finish short of the full distance. The course turned out to be 6 miles instead of 7. The senior men finished 6th and the first man home, showing good cross country form, was Joe Johnson in 31st place. He was assisted by Tony Barbat, Greg Jones, Pat Riley, Arthur Wilson and Dave Walton. Richard Saunders, Stan Williams, Pete McArdle, Mike Griffiths, Ken Hilton and Dave Godwin also ran. Rachel Saunders was the sole female representative and came in a respectable 23rd. Young athletes Matt Williams (14th in the under 20 men) and Connor McArdle (23rd in the under 15 boys) ran well.
Northern - Heaton Park, Manchester - 27/01/2007 - Mens
A energy sapping course at Heaton Park tested Wallasey's cross country runners. The recent heavy rain made the course particularly muddy in patches. The senior men improved on their last team finish 2 years ago at Consett, by one place, finishing 41st. The first man home was Joe Johnson in 255th place. Other counters were Tony Barbat, Greg Jones, Mark Beckett, Dave Walton and Arthur Wilson. Richard Saunders, Matt Williams and Stan Williams also completed the course. Rachel Saunders and Nicci Davies represented the ladies and finished 220th and 234th respectively. Highest Wallasey place on the day went to Connor McArdle (86th in the under 15 boys).
National - Sunderland - 10/03/2007 - Senior Men
The 2007 Championships took place at Herrington Country Park on the outskirts of Sunderland. A team of 8 senior men and one under 15 made the long trip on Friday night, and after checking in to their hotel the group headed out for a well earned meal. Despite the valiant attempts by club captain Dave Walton to keep the athletes away from the bar, a few of them did succumb.
After a good night's sleep Anne & Bob Brimage set off for their officiating duties closely followed by Connor & his family as Connor's race was first of the day at 11.05. The strong winds had dried the park out and with overcast skies Connor's race, over 4K got under way. Connor started well and ran strongly throughout the race to finish a creditable 150th. It was great to see the seniors make their way to the park to join Connor's family to give him plenty of vocal support.
The wind that proved troublesome in the early races was now getting even stronger approaching gale force just before the seniors started. The pre race favourite, Frank Tickner from Wells City lived up to his billing & ran out a comfortable winner beating Huw Lobb (Bedford) by 40 seconds. Northern runner-up Gareth Raven (Sale) was just 4 seconds adrift in 3rd place.
Wallasey's men again did us proud with Joe Johnson & Pat Riley, in his first National, having particularly good runs and they were well backed up by the rest of the team. Special mention should be made of Derek McArdle who competed in his first cross country for the Club. The men's team achieved our highest placing for many years by finishing 60th from the 71 teams that finished with a full team.
Other counters were Greg Jones, Dave Walton, Matt Williams and Stan Williams. Pete McArdle was Wallasey's other
Thanks to Connor & his family for staying late into the afternoon to support the seniors throughout their race. It seems that wherever we compete Wallasey provide the best support for their athletes.
Wirral Multi Terrain Series
Race 1 - Royden Park, Thurstaston - 05/09/2006 - Mens
Wallasey A.C. had 25 runners at the first multi terrain race. Excellent debuts from Steve Wilkinson and Paul Richardson saw them come home as Wallasey's first and third finishers. The men's first team secured fourth place. The ladies first team finished in 14th place. Ann Taylor-Kilbane was first Wallasey lady to cross the line.
Race 2 - Harrison Drive, New Brighton - 12/09/2006 - Mens
The second week saw Wallasey men's team move up to 3rd place and the ladies ease to 16th. Mike Stanley was first man and Sue Jones was first lady. Connor McArdle ran well both weeks to secure 5th place in the under 15 boys race.
Race 3 - Rivacre - 19/09/2006 - Mens
The men's team finished third and the ladies 12th when the third mullti terrain race took place at Rivacre. Counters for the ladies were Ann Taylor-Kilbane (14th) and Nicci Davies (32nd). The male counters were Mike Stanley (12th), Tony Barbat (21st), JOe Johnson (28th), Phil Cuthbert (29th) and Mark Beckett (31st).
Race 4 - Arrowe Park - 26/09/2006 - Mens
In the final Wirral Multi Terrain Race at Arrowe Park, the men finished 4th on the night and held on to third place overall, The ladies finished 14th on the night and overall. Dave Walton won third V50.
Christmas Handicap
Christmas Handicap - Wallasey Shore - 17/12/2006 - Seniors
Congratulations go to male winner Carl Hampson and female winner Anne Taylor-Kilbane. Excellent handicapping meant that virtually the whole field finished within a minute and a half of each other. Thanks go to the club members who marshalled the race.
