Club Race Reports Season 2009-2010
Borders League
Race 1 - Christleton - 18/10/2009 - Seniors
Wallasey Athletic Club produced a good performance in the first Borders League fixture despite a number of members being away on a club trip to Amsterdam. The men finished in 4th place and the ladies in fifth. Greg Jones was first man home in 14th place, recording a time of 33:27, next home was Connor McArdle 35:06 (38th), followed by Phil Walton 36:03 (56th), other counters were Phil Cuthbert, Keith McLaughlin, John Armstrong, Keith Simpson, Stan Williams, John Cottrell and Richard Perry. Kim McEneany led the ladies home in 41:04 and an impressive 8th lady, other counters were Sharon Lamont, Sallie Holt and Jane Woodhead.
Race 2 - Birkenhead Park - 15/11/2009 - Seniors
Wallasey A.C. ladies team ran out winners in the second race of the Borders League hosted by the club. A superb team performance by all the ladies who were led home by counters Claire Walton, Tricia Jones, Sallie Holt and Sharon Lamont. This was a first for the club, the men also produced a commendable effort finishing 3rd. Greg Jones was first Wallasey man home in 21st place completing the 5.5 mile course in 32:11, other counters were Tony Barbat, Connor McArdle, Phil Walton, John Armstrong, Keith McLaughlin, Keith Simpson, Phil Cuthbert, Stan Williams and Matt Williams.
Race 3 - Tattenhall - 03/01/2010 - Seniors
Race cancelled due to bad weather. (Frozen roads)
Race 4 - Abergele - 14/02/2010 - Seniors
Abergele put on an interesting race at Pensarn in North Wales on Valentine's Day. The out and back route with fine views of Gwrych Castle and the North Wales coast was well marshalled and had accurate mile markers. Wallasey A.C. had 27 runners in the race and both teams did well. The men were led home by another excellent run by Greg Jones who finished in 12th place, completing the 5 mile course in 28:14. Not far behind him was Connor McArdle showing good form for 22nd (28:46). The other runners making up the 10 to count were Tony Barbat, Phil Cuthbert, Keith Simpson, Matt Williams, Richard Perry, Mike Hughes, Andy Rogerson and Pete McArdle. Pete had a fine run knocking 41/2 minutes off his last time on the course. The men finished the day in 5th place and occupy 4th place in division one after three events. The ladies team finished a satisfying 3rd on the day and lie in 3rd place in division one. First to cross the line for the ladies team was Tricia Jones in a pleasing 11th place. Other counters were Sallie Holt, Sharon Lamont and Anne Taylor-Kilbane.
Race 5 - Mold - 14/03/2010 - Seniors
Wrexham Tri Club hosted the 5th Borders race of the season using the circular route from Mold, the finish line was moved further up the hill extending the course to 5.14 miles. The cool breeze that greeted the runners at the start of the race eased off and the sun shone through to leave warm conditions for the time of year. Wallasey A.C. had 25 runners in the race and both teams maintained the form of earlier races. The men were led home by yet another excellent run by Greg Jones who finished in 17th place overall, completing the course in 29:51. Half a minute behind was Tony Barbat and a further minute behind that was Phil Walton, Connor McArdle did well to recover from a severe stitch to finish 47th. Other counters were Keith Simpson, Matt Williams, Richard Perry, Mike Hughes, Stan Williams and Richard Saunders. The men finished the day in 4th place and move up to 3rd place in division one after four races. The ladies team finished 4th on the day and held on to 3rd place in division one. First finisher for the ladies team was Claire Walton in an superb 4th place. Other counters were Sallie Holt, Sharon Lamont and Alison Engle. Stan Williams leads his age category in the individual standings. Once again a special thanks to Les & Gill Pullin who provided a splendid buffet.
Race 6 - Prestatyn - 11/04/2010 - Seniors
27 Wallasey runners lined up for the penultimate Borders League fixture of the 2009-2010 season at Prestatyn. Good packing by the men enabled Wallasey to post a score of 561 for 5th place on the day. The men's team slipped to 5th place but lie only a few points behind the two teams above them. The ladies amassed a total of 95 points and also finished 5th on the day but retain 3rd place. Counters were Greg Jones, Phil Walton, Connor McArdle, Keith Simpson, John Armstrong, Phil Cuthbert, Richard Sanders, Phil Bird, John Quirk and Stan Williams. Ladies counters were Tricia Jones, Sallie Holt and Sharon Lamont. Stan Williams leads his age category in the individual standings.
Race 7 - Deestriders - 28/04/2010 - Seniors
Wallasey Athletic Club completed the Borders League season at Deeside, both teams consolidated their places in division one but were slightly disappointed after letting places slip by just a few points. The men's team finished fifth and the ladies fourth. 7 runners picked up individual prizes, Stan Williams 1st in the male over 60, John Cottrell 3rd male over 65, Sallie Holt 5th senior lady, Alison Engle 5th lady over 35, Sharon Lamont 4th lady over 45, Tricia Jones 2nd lady over 50 and Nicci Davies 3rd lady over 50. The course was slightly longer than 2 years go with an extra few hundred yards added by moving the start back. Greg Jones was first home in 24:11 (15th), he was followed by Connor McArdle 24:38 (26th) and Tony Barbat 24:48 (29th). Other counters were John Armstrong, Phil Cuthbert, Matt Williams, Keith Simpson, Ian Dickinson, Mike Hughes and Phil Bird. Sallie Holt completed a fine season leading the ladies home in 29 minutes dead. Other counters were Tricia Jones 29:48 (17th), Sharon Lamont 30:30 (19th) and Alison Engle 32:44 (36th).
Liverpool & District XC Union
Race 1 - Arrowe Park - 24/10/2009 - Seniors
The course around Arrowe Park was run in reverse to protect the ground in the first cross country fixture of the season. On a warm day for the time of year Wallasey finished 7th of 10 teams. Greg Jones once again first man home other counters were on the day were Connor McArdle, Matt Williams, Andy Rogerson, Stan Williams and Dave Walton. The 11 Wallasey men were accompanied by an impressive turn out from the ladies section with 6 of them completing the course.
Race 2 - Sefton Park - 28/11/2009 - Seniors
The second race of the Liverpool & District Cross Country Union season took place in wet and muddy conditions. The event in Sefton Park also incorporated the McCain Cross Challenge and the European Cross Country Trials. Wallasey had 18 men and 4 women representatives, Connor McArdle was the first man home narrowly pipping Greg Jones to the finish line. Other counters were Tony Barbat, Phil Walton, John Armstrong and Phil Cuthbert. Wallasey AC finished the day in 6th place of the 13 teams and can be pleased with such a large turnout and an excellent performance.
Race 3 - Beacon Park - 12/12/2009 - Seniors
The final race of the Liverpool & District Cross Country Union season took place on a glorious autumn day in wet and muddy conditions at Beacon Park in Skelmersdale. Wallasey AC had 21 finishers in the race and this helped the team to finish in an encouraging fourth place. The result meant that the team were positioned fifth in the final league standings. Greg Jones lead the men home in 21st place and close packing by Tony Barbat (30th), Phil Walton (32nd), Connor McArdle (34th), Phil Cuthbert (37th) and John Armstrong (44th) ensured the club, which was also boosted by all the runners, had an excellent team result.
Championships - Clarkes Garden - 07/02/2010 - Seniors
There were over 140 runners in this year's Liverpool & District Cross Country Championships at Clarkes Garden in Liverpool. Team captain Dave Walton made the journey despite a broken leg and was amongst the 7 followers giving vociferous support to the 20 Wallasey A.C. runners. Ground conditions were good with not much mud or surface water. Greg Jones was first to cross the line for the club finishing in 20th place in 37:10 on the 6 mile course, a fine run from Greg. Not far behind him was Connor McArdle in 28th (37:50), Tony Barbat (41st) and Phil Cuthbert (46th) had a good battle, while John Armstong (48th) had a strong last lap and Chris Shaw (66th) making his debut for the club with a solid run completed the 6 counters. The team finished 6th of the 16 teams entered. Sallie Holt (10th lady) was the first of the four Wallasey A.C. ladies present and as the race doubled as the club's cross country championship, Greg and Sallie are confirmed as this season's cross country champions.
Cross Country Championships
Merseyside - Stadt Moers Park - 09/01/2010 - Mens
Cancelled due to snow and ice
Northern - Witton Park, Blackburn - 23/01/2010 - Mens
Wallasey had 15 runners at the Northern Cross Country Championships held in the fog at Witton Park in Blackburn. The 3 ladies set off first on the muddy course and Sallie Holt led them home running well for 130th place, she was followed by Sharon Lamont (160th) and Alison Engle (189th), the ladies were one short of a complete team. Next up was Connor McArdle who also put in a good effort crossing the line in 70th place in the under 20 men. The men's team finished 32nd which was a little down on last year's effort but the men can be proud of their run in particular conquering the hills, four ascents of the hill on the 'teaspoon' was enough to turn the legs to jelly. First home once again was Greg Jones with Tony Barbat, Phil Cuthbert, John Armstrong, Richard Perry and Matt Williams the other counters. Bob and Anne Brimage helped make the race a success by assisting with putting on the event.
National - Roundhay Park - 27/02/2010 - Senior Men
The great tradition of the National Cross Country Championships was continued at Roundhay Park in Leeds. On a cool February day Wallasey had 12 male and 5 female runners. Connor McArdle was first to tackle the course which includes the famous 'Hill 60'. Connor had a strong run finishing the 10k course in 148th place. Wallasey's men finished 73rd out of 107 complete teams in the 6 man event, Greg Jones, Tony Barbat, John Armstrong, Matt Williams, Richard Perry and Mike Hughes being the counters. Greg was first home with a good run finishing in the top 500 despite a fall. The course which included plenty of mud and several hill climbs was testing for the 1428 runners who managed to complete it, other runners from Wallasey who managed this were Stan Williams, Pete McArdle, Derek McArdle, Mike Griffiths, Pete Ashton and Rolf Westrum. Wallasey's men also finished 40th in the 9 man team race. The ladies team ended the day in a creditable 47th place. Tricia Jones, Sallie Holt, Sharon Lamont and Alison Engle being the counters. Tricia was first home for the club in 294th place running 38:12 for the 8k course. The runners are also thankful to Ann & Bob Brimage also made the trip assisting as race officials.
Wirral Multi Terrain Series
Race 1 - Royden Park - 01/09/2009 - Mens
29 Wallasey runners contested the first Wirral Multi Terrain race of the new season at Royden Park. Rain had left the 4.7 mile course wetter than normal and an extra half lap of the field meant most runners had slower times than in previous years. Greg Jones was first Wallasey man home in 11th, closely followed by Jamie Pullin in 13th. The men's team finished in 2nd place, other counters being Tony Barbat, Phil Cuthbert and Keith McLaughlin. The ladies team lie in 4th place and also have the highest 'B' team. First team ladies counters were Kim McEneany, Tricia Jones and Sallie Holt.
Race 2 - Harrison Drive - 08/09/2009 - Mens
Wallasey A.C. successfully hosted the second race in the Wirral Multi Terrain series at Harrison Drive. The contest started along the beach at the site of the former Derby pool but the weather was not kind to the runners as winds along the coast made the outward journey more difficult than usual. Greg Jones was first man home, running strongly to finish in 12th place in 26:39. The men's team finished second and retain second place overall. Other counters were Jamie Pullin, Tony Barbat, Phil Walton (making his debut for the club) and Connor McArdle returning after a long injury lay off. Kim McEneany ran well to lead the ladies home, she finished in tenth place in 32:03, she was supported by Sallie Holt and Sharon Lamont. The ladies finished in third place on the night and are one point of the bronze position in the overall standings and also boast the highest 'B' team. Early age category leaders are Greg Jones (Under 30 men) and Nicci Davies (Ladies over 50).
Race 3 - Thurstaston - 15/09/2009 - Mens
The Wirral Multi Terrain Series returned to a venue not used since 2002 last Tuesday evening. The course starting at Wirral Country Park was two laps along the roads and beach and returned along the Wirral Way. Greg Jones had yet another good run coming home in 8th place. Other first team counters were Jamie Pullin, Tony Barbat, Phil Walton and Colin Palmer. The men's team finished second on the night and remain in second place overall. Tricia Jones led the ladies home and Kim McEneany and Sallie Holt completing the ladies team. The first team finished fifth on the night and are still in fourth place overall. Sharon Lamont, Alison Engle and Lisa Carney formed the ladies B team and they remain first B team overall. Greg Jones is the only category leader but several runners are in with chances of a medal.
Race 4 - Arrowe Park - 22/09/2009 - Mens
Wallasey A.C. had their best season ever in terms of medals at the last Wirral Multi Terrain race for 2009. The club picked up 10 individual and team medals at the presentation in the Cherry Orchard in Arrowe Park. The race around the park consisted of 2 laps through the woods and across the football fields. Greg Jones was the first Wallasey runner to finish the 4.5 mile course in just over 26 minutes for 9th place. Other first team counters were Tony Barbat, Phil Walton, Connor McArdle and Phil Bird. The men's team finished second on the day and retained 2nd position overall. The ladies trio of Tricia Jones, Kim McEneany and Sallie Holt came home in 12th,13th and 14th respectively. They finished fifth on the night and fourth overall. The ladies B team of Sharon Lamont, Alison Engle and Nicci Davies were awarded the prize for highest B team. Individual winners were Greg Jones (men under 30) and Tricia Jones (ladies over 50). Other awards were received by Phil Walton 2nd male under 30, Matt Williams 3rd male under 30, Jamie Pullin 3rd male under 40, Stan Williams 3rd male over 60, Kim McEneany 2nd lady under 30 and Nicci Davies 3rd lady over 50.
Christmas Handicap
Christmas Handicap - Wallasey Shore - 20/12/2009 - Seniors
Handicap winner was Paul Thelwell and first lady home was Sharon Lamont, who also had the fastest ladies time recording 19:43. Jamie Pullin had the fastest time of the day with 15:45.
Summer Handicap
Summer Handicap - Thurstaston - 01/07/2010 - Seniors
The first Summer Handicap took place on Thursday July 1st. Handicap winner was John Thelwell and first lady was Anne Taylor-Kilbane. Sallie Holt had the fastest ladies time of the day (17:51) and Greg Jones was the fastest male finishing in (14:13), a course record.
