Club Race Reports Season 2018-2019

Borders League

Race 1 - New Brighton - 14/10/2018 - Seniors

Wallasey ladies were in fine form at opening Borders League fixture of the season in New Brighton. The ladies won the team race and are determined to retain their shield. The 5-mile race was held in ideal running conditions along the embankment and around the golf course. The counters were Helen Anne Stansfield (7th), Sallie Holt (12th), Katherine Holley (14th) and Elaine Opara (17th). Despite some keen running the men finished in second place, Joe Boden showing the way with a great third place. Not far behind was Rob Pearse in tenth, Greg Jones nineteenth and debutant William Barr in twentieth. Other counters were Jay Walker (28th), Pete Clarke (40th), Jack Poland (45th), Connor McArdle (53rd), Matt Wilson (58th) and Tom Gillbanks (79th).

Race 2 - Chester - 11/11/2018 - Seniors

Joe Boden stormed to a 19 second victory at the second Borders league race at Upton by Chester, in doing so he became only the second male from the club to perform the feat, it was nearly 14 years to the day since Mike Stanley won at Capenhurst. Joe covered the five-mile course in 25:43 average miling of under 05:10. The men's team finished second on the day other counters being Rob Pearse, (21st), Jay Walker (22nd), Greg Jones (23rd), Pete Clarke (33rd), Jack Poland (34th), John Thelwell (46th), Matt Goodwin (54th), Tom Gillbanks (62nd) and Phil Walton (70th). The ladies finished fifth on the day but still retain the overall lead at the top. Counters were Helen Anne Stansfield (9th), Elaine Opara (18th), Katherine Holley (23rd) and Becky Blacklock (25th).

Race 3 - Trac Mon, Anglesey - 09/12/2018 - Seniors

The third Borders League fixture took place on the Trac Mon racetrack in Anglesey, the 5 mile course consisted over just over 2 laps. The runners faced a brisk wind, this didn't deter Joe Boden as he captured his second race win of the season. The men's team also took full advantage of the reduced entrants with a win, other counters were Rob Pearse (7th), Jay Walker (15th), Greg Jones (19th), Jack poland (23rd), Connor McArdle (24th), Pete Clarke (27th), Matt Goodwin (28th), and Tom Gillbanks (31st). The ladies finished 5th on the day but remain 2 points off the top with counters being Becky Blacklock (13th), Anna Kenny (18th), Michelle Alty (22nd) and Heidi Slater (30th).

Race 4 - Tattenhall - 27/01/2019 - Seniors

Joe Boden made it three wins on the bounce at the fourth Borders League race at Tattenhall. In a close battle with Ricky Challinor and Ed Flynn, Joe came out victorious, all the track work and 10 mile runs are paying dividends. The men's team were eased into second by Buckley, other counters were Jay Walker (22nd), John Thelwell (25th), Greg Jones (32nd), Matt Goodwin (35th), Tom Gillbanks (36th), Jack Poland (38th), Ray Clark (41st), Connor McArdle (49th) and Mike Green (56th). The ladies won the team race on the day with a 4 point victory over Buckley, counters were Jo Irvin (6th), Helen Anne Stansfield (10th), Katherine Holley (13th) and Becky Blacklock (16th). The ladies team are top of the first division and the men lie second.

Race 5 - Birkenhead Park - 03/03/2019 - Seniors

Joe Boden picked up his fourth consecutive Borders League win at Birkenhead Park, Joe pulled away from his nearest challengers with a devastating sprint, a remarkable achievement. Other counters who assisted in helping the men's team to second place were Rob Pearse (11th), Jay Walker (18th), Connor McArdle (32nd), Jack Poland (35th), Matt Goodwin (40th), Xavier Desse (49th), Phil Walton (55th), Tom Gillbanks (57th) and Greg Jones (63rd). The ladies finished in third place on the day and counting were Jo Irvin (5th), Helen Anne Stansfield (12th), Elaine Opara (17th) and Katherine Holley (21st).

Race 6 - Hope/Caergwrle - 31/03/2019 - Seniors

Joe Boden won the individual male title with a race to spare after a third place finish in the penultimate borders at Hope. Joe covered the 5 mile course in 26:01 to cap a fine season. Rob Pearse also had a great run retuning in sixth place. Other counters for the men who finished second on the day were Jay Walker (21st), Jack Poland (22nd), Matt Goodwin (27th), Greg Jones (36th), Tom Gillbanks (42nd), Connor McArdle (46th), Colin Palmer (73rd) and Matt Gillbanks (79th). The ladies finished third on the day with counters being Jo Irvin (7th), Becky Blacklock (19th), Zoe Pearse (20th) and Helen Anne Stansfield (28th).

Race 7 - Ffrith - 24/04/2019 - Seniors

The final Borders League race took place on a cool and wet evening along the promenade in Ffrith, the 4.6 mile course consisted of 2 laps. Joe Boden completed a fine season with second place in the race winning the men's individual title. Wallasey A.C. had to play second fiddle in the team event to Buckley who claimed the men's title. The men finished in second place on the night counters being Joe Boden (2nd), Rob Pearse (5th), Matt Goodwin (16th), Jack Poland (19th), Greg Jones (23rd), John Thelwell (25th), Matt Gillbanks (60th), Colin Palmer (75th), Kevin Hall (92nd) and Steve Norton (98th). Katherine Holley led the ladies team home with 10th place and was supported by Helen-Anne Stansfield (18th), Becky Blacklock (25th) and Anna Kenny (27th). The team finished fourth on the night and third overall. Other individual trophies were picked up by Tom Gillbanks third under 20 male, Rob Pearse third over 40 male, Colin Palmer second V55 male, Heidi Slater second under 20 lady, Helen Anne Stansfield third V35 lady and Mary Rees first V65 lady.

Liverpool & District XC Union

Race 1 - Arrowe Park - 13/10/2018 - Seniors

Arrowe Park was the location for the first Liverpool & District Cross Country Union league race of 2018-2019. The team finished fourth on the day with counters being Rob Pearse (9th), John Thelwell (24th), Tom Gillbanks (34th), Matt B Wilson (45th) , Colin Palmer (53rd) and Helen Anne Stansfield (59th). Helen was third lady home.

Race 2 - Sefton Park - 24/11/2018 - Seniors

The second race in the Liverpool and District Cross Country Union League was incorporated into the British Athletics Cross Challenge series at Sefton Park. The recent dry weather meant that there was virtually no mud on the course. Counters for the men's team were Rob Pearse (27th), Jay Walker (36th), Pete Clarke (45th), Tom Gillbanks (68th), Matt J Wilson (72nd) and Matt Gillbanks (87th). The team finished in seventh place on the day. The ladies took part in a separate race namely the Senior Women's Cross challenge with Helen Anne Stansfield (112th) and Becky Blacklock (123rd) the first two home for the club. Jenny Ryan was 61st in the under 13 girls and Heidi Slater 74th in the under 17 girls.

Race 3 - Beacon Park - 08/12/2018 - Seniors

Wallasey AC athletes completed the 2018-2019 Liverpool and District Cross Country Union League with a fixture at a muddy Beacon Park. The new course was 2 laps instead of the usual 3 and included the top field. The mixed team finished fifth on the day and fourth overall. Counters were Jay Walker (21st), Phil Cuthbert (50th), Kevin Hall (60th), Elaine Opara (63rd), Dave McAlister (68th) and Katherine Holley (73rd).

Championships - Clarkes Garden - 10/02/2019 - Seniors

The ladies picked up bronze medals in the team race at the Liverpool and District Cross Country Championships held at Clarkes Garden. Counters were Becky Blacklock (10th), Helen Anne Stansfield (12th), and Elaine Opara (14th).The men finished in fifth place with Rob Pearse (15th), Jay Walker (20th), Jack Poland (33rd), Mark Carruthers (49th), Alex Norton (51st) and Phil Dabner (53rd) counting. The race doubled as the club's cross country championships with Rob Pearse and Becky Blacklock picking up the individual honours.

Cross Country Championships

Merseyside - Sherdley Park - 05/01/2019 - Senior Women

The ladies battled bravely at the Merseyside County Cross Country Championships in Sherdley Park coming home fourth team. Helen Anne Stansfield was first home for the Wallasey ladies in 14th. Ladies other counters were Elaine Opara (19th), Katherine Holley (27th) and Michelle Alty (29th) Individual age category medals were picked up by Rachel Saunders gold in the over 55, Julie Barbat silver in the same category and Mary Rees gold in the over 65. Great running by the girls.

Merseyside - Sherdley Park - 05/01/2019 - Under 20 Men

Tom Gillbanks and Alex Norton gave their hopes of county representation a boost with good runs at the Merseyside County Cross Country Championships in Sherdley Park. Tom finished in sixth and Alex in eighth.

Merseyside - Sherdley Park - 05/01/2019 - Under 15 Boys

Luke Hampshire was the clubs sole represenative in the under 15 boys category at Merseyside County Cross Country Championships in Sherdley Park. Luke completed the 2 mile course in 14:37 for seventh place.

Merseyside - Sherdley Park - 05/01/2019 - Seniors

One of the biggest ever men's fields for the Merseyside Cross Country Championships at Sherdley Park meant the Wallasey's men faced tough competion for places. The six counters were Rob Pearse (18th), Jay Wallker (21st), Phil Dabner (55th), Matt Gillbanks (62nd), Kevin Hall (98th) and John Bassett (102nd) and they brought the club home in ninth place out of the 12 complete teams.

Northern - Pontefract - 26/01/2019 - Senior Women

The ladies had 6 runners at the Northern Cross Country Championships at Pontefract Racecourse, the team finished in 37th place and the counters were Helen Anne Stansfield (128th), Kate Ryan (209th), Louise Marsden (294th) and Jan McArd (300th).

Northern - Pontefract - 26/01/2019 - Seniors

Jay Walker and Derek McArdle travelled to Pontefract Racecourse for the Northern Cross Country Championships and finished in 209th and 676th respectively.

National - Harewood House Estate - 23/02/2019 - Senior Men

Derek McArdle was the club's sole representative at the National Cross Country Championships held at Harewood House Estate in Leeds. Derek finished the 10k course in 01:03:34 for 1875th place.

National - Harewood House Estate - 23/02/2019 - Senior Women

The ladies team finished in 106th place at the National Cross Country Champaionships held at the Harewood House Estate in Leeds. The ladies runners incluced Mary Rees, Julie Barbat, Louise Marsden, Jan McArd and Sharon Lamont.

Wirral Multi Terrain Series

Race 1 - Royden Park - 04/09/2018 - Seniors Men

Rob Pearse became the first Wallasey A.C. male to win a Wirral Multi Terrain race when he overcame a challenge from Dave Bennett (Ellesmere Post A. C.) and Robby Green (PLS), Rob finished in 27:55 great running. The ladies also performed well winning the team race, counters being the improving Katherine Holley (5th), Elaine Opara (7th) and Sallie Holt (9th). The men's team finished second with Jay Walker (9th), John Thelwell (16th), Xavier Desse (21st) and Greg Jones (24th) also counting.

Race 2 - Harrison Drive - 11/09/2018 - Senior Men

Wallasey A.C. ladies extended their lead at the top of the Wirral Multi Terrain League with a victory in the second race of the series. The race was at Harrison Drive and Katherine Holley was in insprirational form as she finished in second place, Katherine was supported by Helen Anne Stansfield in 5th and Sallie Holt in 9th. Rob Pearse also picked up an individual second place in the men's race and the team finished in fifth place. Other counters were Jack Poland (14th), Greg Jones (24th), Tom Gillbanks (55th) and Matt Gillbanks (59th). The men lie fourth overall.

Race 3 - Thurstaston - 18/09/2018 - Senior Men

The ladies held onto their position of first team after three fixtures with a joint second finish at the third fixture at Thurstaston. The counters were Sallie Holt (8th), Katherine Holley (11th) and Elaine Opara (13th) and the lead over Wirral A.C. is a s slim 2 points. The men finished in fifth and lie fifth overall with Greg Jones (9th), Jay Walker (10th), Alex Norton (34th), Paul Cubbins (57th) and Danny Lawson (75th) counting. Luke Hampshire was third under 15 boy and Jennie Ryan second under 15 girl.

Race 4 - Arrowe Park - 25/09/2018 - Senior Men

Wallasey A.C. ladies won the team event for the first time at the Wirral Multi Terrain League. The final fixture was held under sunny skies at Arrowe Park, the ladies finished in second place on the night , this was enough to bring the girls a 12 point winning margin. Counters were Helen Anne Stansfield (6th), Katherine Holley (9th) and Sallie Holt (10th). The ladies were also first B thru G team meaning they had at least 21 finishers in each race. The men won the race on the night enabling to haul themselves up from fifth to second place overall. Counters were Rob Pearse (2nd), Jay Walker (7th), Greg Jones (14th), Jack Poland (16th) and Tom Gillbanks (32nd). Individial winners were Luke Hampshire (3rd Under 15 boys), Alex Norton (3rd Under 20 Male), Jay Walker (2nd Under 40 Male), Rob Pearse (Second Under 45 Male), Rob was also second overall male an excellent series, Jenny Ryan (2nd Under 15 Girls), Heidi Slater (3rd Under 20 ladies), Katherine Holley (third Under 40 lady), Sallie Holt (3rd Under 50 lady), Michelle Alty (3rd Under 60 lady).

Christmas Handicap

Christmas Handicap - Wallasey Shore - 23/12/2018 - Seniors

Sue Foster was first home and ladies winner. Men's handicap winner was Rolf Westrum and first junior home was Finlay Riley. Fastest runners on the day with 14:05 was Greg Jones and for the ladies Elaine Opara 17:07.

Road Relays

North West Counties - Delamere Forest - 08/09/2018 - Senior Women

The ladies also had to run 6.2km legs in the rain against other counties from the north west. The ladies A team finished 22nd in 01:22:35, Helen Anne Stansfield started the ladies off and returned in 26:17, this run being the eighth fastest indivdual run overall for a Merseyside runner, that left the team in 23rd place overall. Sallie Holt was out next and finished in 26:49 gaining six places.Michelle Alty brought the team home in 29:29. The A team finished 5th Merseyside team. The B team had Sue Reynolds started the ladies off with a 31:06, second was Jan McArd (30:41), followed by Alison Engle 34:01. The B team finished in 52nd place and 11th Merseyside team.

North West Counties - Delamere Forest - 08/09/2018 - Senior Men

The North West Road Relays incorporated the county championships of Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria and were hosted by Cheshire County AA at Delamere Forest. The rain poured down all day long, the men's race consisted of four 6.2km legs. Wallasey A.C. had two teams the men's A team finished 17th in 01:27:45, Joe Boden was off first and returned in 20:55, this run being the fifth fastest indivdual run overall for a Merseyside runner, that left the team in eleventh place overall. Rob Pearse was off next and returned in 21:22 losing one place. Greg Jones ran the third leg in 22:32 leaving the team in fifteenth and Connor McArdle ran the anchor leg in 22:56. The A team finished 4th Merseyside team. The B team had Tom Bibby startng proceedings with a 24:38, second was Tom Gillbanks (24:30), follwed by Alex Norton 24:08 and Pete Clarke 23:30. The B team finished in 42nd place and 10th Merseyside team.

Northern 6/4 Stage - Etihad Stadium - 23/09/2018 - Senior Men

The Northern Road Relays took place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Wallasey A.C. had two men's team complete the relay race. The legs were 6.5k and the six runners in each team went off as follows: A team - 1st leg Joe Boden - 21:32, 2nd leg Rob Pearse - 22:16, 3rd leg John Thelwell - 24:12, 4th leg Jack Poland - 23:38, 5th leg Greg Jones - 23:08 and 6th leg Connor Mcardle - 24:10. The A team finished in 02:18:56 for 46th place. B team - 1st leg Philip Walton - 24:01, 2nd leg Tom Gillbanks - 25:01, 3rd legTom Bibby - 26:15, 4th leg Michael Green - 24:28, 5th leg Matt Gillbanks - 26:04 and 6th leg Kevin Hall - 27:39. The B team finished in 93rd place in 02:33:28.

Northern 6/4 Stage - Etihad Stadium - 23/09/2018 - Senior Women

Wallasey A.C. took two ladies teams to the Northern Road Relays held at the Etihad Stadium, the runners completed their 6k legs as follows: A team - 1st leg Katherine Holley - 25:40, 2nd leg Helen Anne Stansfield - 24:09, 3rd leg Sallie Holt - 24:55 and 4th leg Elaine Opara - 25:38. The A team finished in 32nd place in 01:40:22. B team - 1st leg Michelle Alty - 27:17, 2nd leg Anna Kenny - 27:32, 3rd leg Kate Ryan - 27:56 and 4th leg Sue Reynolds - 28:24. The B team finished in 68th place in 01:51:09.

Northern 12/6 Stage - Birkenhead Park - 24/03/2019 - Senior Women

The ladies entered 3 teams in the Northern 12 Stage Road Relays in Birkenhead Park, the first team finished in 32nd place (02:15:55), second in 48th (02:34:02) and third in 52nd place (02:49:17). The legs were 4k and 8k in length and the ladies finished as follows: 'A' 1, Helen Stansfield (35) 33:01 2, Jess Mckinlay (36) 16:55 3, Katherine Holley (33) 16:28 4, Elaine Opara (34) 34:53 5, Vicky Kehoe (32) 17:36 6, Anna Kenny (32) 17:02 'B' 1, Louise Marsden (56) 39:16 2, Sallie Holt (55) 18:28 3, Catherine Lucadello (56) 19:07 4, Sue Reynolds (51) 38:54 5, Sharon Lamont (49) 19:54 6, Julie Barbat (48) 18:23 'C' 1, Moira Gartland (63) 43:02 2, Renee White (61) 22:27 3, Nicola Chapman (61) 21:34 4, Jan McArd (54) 39:21 5, Catherine Cuthbert (53) 22:21 6, Hayley McNicholas (52) 20:32

Northern 5k Championships - Birkenhead Park - 24/03/2019 - Under 15 Boys

Wallasey AC had a team of 3 who took part in the Northern Athletics Under 15 5k Championships held in Birkenhead Park, the team finished in ninth place with Luke Hampshire clocking a 5k personal best of 17:12 (13th), Leo Nilsson 21:11 (55th) and Ewan Head 23:16 (58th).

Northern 12/6 Stage - Birkenhead Park - 24/03/2019 - Senior Men

The men's team ran well at the Northern 12 Stage Road Relays in Birkenhead Park, Joe Boden led the team off and returned in an excellent 20th place, the team fought bravely to maintain this position eventually ending up in 28th place and 26th 'A' team in 03:37:13. Legs were 4k and 8k in length and the runners came in as follows: 1, Joseph Boden (20) 24:25 2, Greg Jones (20) 13:23 3, Connor Mcardle (28) 27:42 4, Tom Gillbanks (28) 13:14 5, Rob Pearse (25) 26:06 6, Matt Gillbanks (29) 14:22 7, Jack Poland (28) 27:15 8, Kevin Hall (30) 14:58 9, Matt Wilson (30) 14:05 10, Mark Carruthers (30) 14:10 11, Michael Green (29) 13:58 12, Alex Norton (29) 13:35 (Stage position in brackets). Bob and Anne Brimage were responsible for organising the event which went very well and thanks go out to all the marshalls.

Northern 5k Championships - Birkenhead Park - 24/03/2019 - Under 17 Girls

Heidi Slater competed in the Northern Athletics Under 17 5k Championships at Birkenhead Park finishing in 22:05 for 20th place.

National 12 Stage - Sutton Park - 06/04/2019 - Senior Men

Wallasey AC Men's team made their first attempt at the National 12 Stage Road Relays. The team finished in an excellent 49th place of 65 complete teams. The race took place in Sutton Park in Birmingham and the legs alternated between 5.3 miles and 5 km the team total being 5:02:14. 1, Joseph Boden (46) 28:43 2, Peter Bird (50) 18:17 3, Connor Mcardle (56) 31:29 4, Mark Carruthers (56) 18:55 5, Ray Clark (56) 31:12 6, Tom Gillbanks (54) 18:03 7, Greg Jones (51) 30:57 8, Alex Norton (50) 18:39 9, Jack Poland (48) 31:08 10, Matt Gillbanks (49) 19:51 11, Colin Palmer (49) 33:45 12, Kevin Hall (49) 21:15 Leg position in brackets