Club Race Reports Season 2010-2011
Borders League
Race 1 - Caernarvon - 24/10/2010 - Seniors
19 runners from Wallasey Athletic Club ventured into Wales for the first Borders League fixture of the 2010-2011 season. The picturesque course ran along the embankment for 4k before turning back towards the town and afforded excellent views of the castle. The men's team finished in second place on the day and the ladies in joint third, the team also finished first in the veterans category. First home for the club was Greg Jones in 35:49 for 16th place. Other counters were Joe Johnson (making a welcome return to representing the club), Tony Barbat, Connor McArdle (making the long trip back from Loughborough University and producing a personal best for 10k), Keith Simpson, Matt Williams, Colin Palmer, Mike Green, Keith McLaughlin and Mike Hughes. The ladies were led home by Sallie Holt 44:32 and 11th lady. She was assisted by Vicky Kehoe, Alison Engle and Nicci Davies. Stan Williams kept up his proud record of consecutive appearances only 10 days after an operation with a brave run in his 78th successive race.
Race 2 - Capenhurst - 14/11/2010 - Seniors
A huge contingent of Wallasey runners (35 in total) helped swell the field to 307 runners in the second fixture of the Borders League. The rural course consisted of 2 x 2.5 mile laps and half mile finishing stretch to the car park. On a very flat course some good times were achieved, Greg Jones led home a good pack of Wallasey's men, Greg finished in 18th place in 30:38. Other counters were Tony Barbat, Connor McArdle, Joe Johnson, John Armstrong, Matt Williams, Keith Simpson, Keith McLaughlin, Mike Green and Colin Palmer. The men's team finished in third place on the day and lie second overall. The ladies were led home by Claire Walton who finished in an excellent third place. Others make up the four required for the ladies team were, Sallie Holt, Tricia Jones and Vicky Kehoe. Ladies finished 4th on the day and are in 4th place overall. The team also finished first in the veterans category.
Race 3 - Hoylake - 12/12/2010 - Seniors
Wallasey A.C. runners competed in a depleted Borders League match at Hoylake. The start was delayed twice by 15 minutes because of the icy conditions, the referee then moved the start and finish position in an attempt to avoid the worst of the conditions, this reduced the course by a mile. League officials then decided for the run to go ahead on a non-scoring basis, some runners left because of other commitments, a few started the race before dropping out. 21 Wallasey runners braved the conditions, first home was Greg Jones (18th) followed closely by Connor McArdle (21st).
Race 4 - Christleton - 13/02/2011 - Seniors
Wallasey had 25 runners in the latest Borders League race at Christleton. The course was a 9.4k loop on the rural roads around Christleton and included some muddy sections and 3 cobbled hump back bridges, the final mile was up a steady incline for nearly one mile. On a predominantly flat course some good times were achieved, Greg Jones, Connor McArdle and Tony Barbat came home in close order (19th, 20th and 21st). Other counters were Colin Palmer, Keith Simpson, Phil Cuthbert, Phil Bird, Matt Williams, Stan Williams and Mike Griffiths. Mike has been improving in leaps and bounds lately. The men's team finished fourth on the day and lie in second place overall. The ladies were led home by Sallie Holt who finished in an excellent 11th place, she was assisted by Vicky Kehoe, Alison Engle and Nicci Davies. The ladies finished third on the day and are in 4th place overall. The team also lead in the veterans category.
Race 5 - Mold - 13/03/2011 - Seniors
The annual 5 mile loop around Mold was the course for the 5th race in the Borders League series. Wallasey A.C. had 15 male and 7 female runners in the latest event. Greg Jones, once again had a strong run and led the Wallasey team home in 29:08 for 15th place, other counters were Joe Johnson, Tony Barbat, Colin Palmer, Keith Simpson, Mike Green, Phil Bird, Stan Williams, Mike Griffiths and Dave Walton. The men's team finished second on the day and lie in second place overall. The ladies were led home by Sallie Holt who finished in a superb 9th place, she was assisted by Vicky Kehoe, Sharon Lamont and Lisa Carney. The ladies finished fourth on the day and are in 4th place overall. The team also lead in the veterans category. Connor McArdle, Tony Barbat and Stan Williams currently lead their age categories.
Race 6 - Connah's Quay - 27/03/2011 - Seniors
The penultimate Borders League race took place at Deeside College in Connah's Quay. The 4.5 mile course started with a lap of the college and then went out into the surrounding roads, a long hill with a steep section tested the runners. In near perfect running conditions the Wallasey athletes turned in an excellent performance. Most of the male counters equalled or bettered their best performance of the season, Greg Jones 13th, Joe Johnson 19th, Tony Barbat 21st, Colin Palmer 22nd, Phil Cuthbert 33rd, Keith Simpson 34th, Connor McArdle 37th, Phil Walton 39th, John Armstrong 46th and Mike Green 61st were the scoring ten. Lady counters were Sallie Holt 6th, Vicky Kehoe 13th, Sharon Lamont 25th and Alison Engle 28th. Several runners are in good positions to win awards in the individual categories. Men's captain Dave Walton said "Absolutely brilliant performance by Wallasey A.C. at the Borders League Race at Deeside. We had 20 men and 6 ladies running together with a number of very vocal supporters. The men won the entire race with the best score we have had since entering the league many years ago. The score was the second best by any team during the entire season with every athlete contributing to the overall performance. We are currently in second position and closing down Wirral in first. The veterans are in first place and their score yesterday was the best by any team all season. Fantastic! Also the women had a great day coming second on the day and moving to third overall A superb performance. Well Done. Thanks for all your support it is greatly appreciated."
Race 7 - Wrexham - 27/04/2011 - Seniors
Wrexham A.C. hosted the last Borders League race of the season and Wallasey came away with 10 team and individual honours. The runners won the veterans trophy, the men finished second and the ladies third. The 4 mile course was a single lap along the country roads near Wrexham Industrial Estate. On a sunny evening both teams ran strongly, first home was Greg Jones in 22nd other counters were Connor McArdle, Joe Johnson, Tony Barbat, Keith Simpson, Phil Walton, Colin Palmer, Phil Cuthbert, Ian Dickinson and Phil Bird. The men finished in second position on the night. The four lady counters were Sallie Holt 14th, Vicky Kehoe 27th, Alison Engle 48th and Julie Barbat 59th. Several runners picked up individual medals, winners were Tony Barbat vet 50 and Stan Williams vet 60. Other individual winners were Greg Jones 7th senior male, Colin Palmer 3rd over 45 male, Keith Simpson 4th over 45 male, Connor McArdle 2nd under 20 male, Vicky Kehoe 4th over 35 lady, Nicci Davies 2nd over 50 lady, Sallie Holt 3rd over 35 lady and Alison Engle 7th over 35 lady.
Liverpool & District XC Union
Race 1 - Arrowe Park - 30/10/2010 - Seniors
The first race of the Liverpool & District Cross Country Union season took place in glorious sunshine at Arrowe Park in Birkenhead. Wallasey A.C. had 23 finishers in the race and this helped the team to finish in an excellent fourth place. Greg Jones had a great run coming home in 17th place, close packing by Joe Johnson (25th), Tony Barbat (37th), Matt Williams (45th), John Armstrong (50th) and Mike Green (57th) meant the club continued where it left off last season.
Race 2 - Sefton Park - 27/11/2010 - Seniors
Cool racing conditions greeted the runners for the second race of the Liverpool & District Cross Country Union season. The event in Sefton Park also incorporated the McCain Cross Challenge and the European Cross Country Trials. Wallasey had 20 representatives for this race. Greg Jones was the first man home, other team scorers were Joe Johnson, Tony Barbat, John Armstrong, Keith Simpson and Mike Green. Wallasey AC finished the day in 5th place of the 14 teams and can be satisfied with such a good turnout and a strong performance.
Race 3 - Beacon Park - 11/12/2010 - Seniors
The final fixture of the Liverpool & District League Season took place at Beacon Park. The weather had improved from the frozen conditions earlier in the week allowing the race to go ahead. Despite the lack of rain the conditions were muddy and tested the athletes. Wallasey A.C. finished 5th on the day and 5th overall. First home was Greg Jones in 14th place, other counters were Tony Barbat (25th), John Armstrong (29th), Mike Green (47th), Matt Williams (55th) and Pat Riley (58th). Guest runners were removed from team totals.
Championships - Clarkes Garden - 06/02/2011 - Seniors
168 runners completed the Liverpool & District Cross Country Union Championships at Clarkes Garden. 20 of these runners were from Wallasey A.C. and this helped the club finish in 8th place of the 14 clubs competing. The route course consisted of 3 laps around the park and the conditions were good considering the rain of the previous day. The counters were Greg Jones (an excellent 22nd), Tony Barbat, Phil Cuthbert, Keith Simpson and Matt Williams and Sallie Holt. The race doubled as the club's cross country championship, Greg Jones and Sallie Holt are confirmed as this season's cross country champions. Joe Johnson was second home but was a non-counter.
Cross Country Championships
Merseyside - Stadt Moers - 08/01/2011 - Mens
The Merseyside County Championships took place at Stadt Moers in Knowsley, fine weather and an interesting course made an excellent venue for cross country running. The surface was soft and in some places wet and muddy and some of the downhill sections were slippery. A few of senior men went off course in the middle of the race and had to run a few hundred metres extra.
The ladies were most successful on the day finishing in a splendid third place which brought them a bronze county medal. The ladies counters were Sallie Holt (17th), Alison Engle (22nd), Vicky Kehoe (23rd) and Nicci Davies (28th). The men finished 5th with Greg Jones (39th), John Armstrong (40th), Tony Barbat (41st), Phil Cuthbert (47th), Keith Simpson (50th) and Mike Green (53rd) counting. Connor McArdle finished a spirited 9th in the junior men's race.
Northern - Herrington Park, Sunderland - 29/01/2011 - Mens
Wallasey A.C. ventured north to Sunderland for the Northern Cross Country Championships held in Herrington Park. The course consisted of laps around the lake and up and down the hills within the park and contained plenty of mud and some of the climbs were testing. The 2 ladies set off first and Sallie Holt ran well for 103rd place, she was followed by Alison Engle (138th), the ladies were short of a complete team. The men's team finished 30th, with Greg Jones, Tony Barbat, Phil Cuthbert, Andy Rogerson, Matt Williams and Stan Williams all counting. Bob and Anne Brimage officiated helping to make the event a success.
National - Alton Towers - 19/02/2011 - Senior Men
On a cool February day Wallasey had 11 male and 3 female runners attending the quagmire of a cross country course at Alton Towers. A downpour of earlier in the day left the course in a very muddy condition, early scares of a possible abandonment did not materialise and both senior races went ahead. Over 550 ladies started in their race which was reduced to 6k and three intrepid Wallasey A.C. girls ran well in difficult conditions. First home was Sallie Holt in 31:54 for 243rd place, she was followed by Alison Engle 35:07 (359th) and Julie Barbat 39:54 (480th). Wallasey's men finished a creditable 57th in the 6 man event and 26th in the 9 man event, Greg Jones battled his way home to 509th place in 47:41, Tony Barbat, Phil Cuthbert, Phil Walton, John Armstrong and Matt Williams being the other counters. The route which included loads of mud and two tough hill climbs was testing for the 1302 runners who managed to complete the course which was reduced to 10k, other runners from Wallasey who managed this feat were Mike Green, Dave Walton, Stan Williams, Derek McArdle and Barry Metcalfe. The runners are also thankful to Ann & Bob Brimage also made the trip assisting as race officials and had to endure difficult weather conditions.
Wirral Multi Terrain Series
Race 1 - Royden Park - 07/09/2010 - Mens
Wallasey A.C. had 32 runners participating in the first Wirral Multi Terrain race of the new season at Royden Park. Claire Walton had a superb run winning the ladies race and taking over a minute out of her nearest rival. The ladies A team finished in third position on the day and Claire was assisted by Sallie Holt and Sharon Lamont. Greg Jones was first Wallasey man home in 11th starting the season in good form, the men's team finished in 3rd place, other counters being Tony Barbat, Connor McArdle, John Armstrong and Matt Williams.
Race 2 - Thurstaston - 14/09/2010 - Mens
The second fixture of the Wirral Multi Terrain Series took place at Wirral Country Park. The runners faced a stiff breeze on both laps of the beach and a long straight finishing stretch along the Wirral Way. Greg Jones had yet another good run coming home in 8th place. Other first team counters were Tony Barbat, Connor McArdle, John Armstrong and Matt Williams. The men's team finished a good second on the night and are third overall in the series. Claire Walton had another great running leading home the ladies team who included Sallie Holt and Sharon Lamont. The ladies also finished second on the night and are second overall. The men's B team lead the way in the B team race. Claire Walton also leads the ladies in the individual standings and Stan Williams and Tony Barbat lead their age categories.
Race 3 - Harrison Drive - 21/09/2010 - Mens
Wallasey A.C. organised the third race in the Wirral Multi Terrain series at Harrison Drive. The weather was much kinder than previous years with virtually no wind and as a result some fast times were seen. Greg Jones and Sallie Holt led the teams home. The men's team finished third and also lie third in the overall standings. The ladies finished 6th and slip to 5th overall but are still in with a shout of a medal. Men's team counters were Greg Jones, Tony Barbat, Keith Simpson, Matt Williams and Colin Palmer for the ladies it was Sallie Holt, Sharon Lamont and Alison Engle. Stan Williams still lead his age category. A big thank you is due to all those who lent a hand to make the race a success.
Race 4 - Arrowe Park - 28/09/2010 - Mens
Wallasey A.C. finished the season in style picking up 8 individual and team medals. Pick of the bunch was Claire Walton with an excellent series enabling her to pick up first place in the overall ladies and first in her age group. Tony Barbat won the over 50 age group and other individual winners were Greg Jones (2nd under 30), Matt Williams (3rd under 30), Nicci Davies (3rd over 50), Stan Williams (2nd over 60). The men's team finished 3rd overall and the ladies 5th. Greg Jones was the first Wallasey runner to complete the 2 laps around Arrowe Park finishing in 10th place. Other counters for the men were Tony Barbat, Matt Williams, Connor McArdle and Michael Robson. The ladies counting trio were Claire Walton (1st), Sallie Holt (18th) and Sharon Lamont (36th).
Summer Handicap
Summer Handicap - Thurstaston - 28/08/2011 - Seniors
The Summer Handicap took place on Sunday August 28th. Handicap winner was Connor McArdle who also had the fastest time and first lady was Diane McArdle.
