English Cross-Country Championships at Parliament Hill Fields, Hampstead on Saturday is likley to develop into a strong bid by Northern runners to wrest the individual and team titles from the Midlands.
The holder of the individual title is Basil Heatley (Coventry Godiva Harriers) and he has suffered many defeats in the early part of the present season. Recently, however, he turned the table on one of his strongest challengers, Roy Fowler (North Staffordshire and Stone Harriers), the inter-counties champion. It seems that Heatley has delayed his fitness, and is now coming into his top form.
The most fancied candidate, however, is Gerry North, of Blackpool And Fylde A.C., those who saw him win the Northern championship a fortnight ago, refuse to look any farther for the winner.
Derby And County A.C., holders of the team title, still seem to be far and away the best team. Nevertheless, Sheffield United will give them a good run.
The team for the International championship will be selected and announced after the race. Two Merseysiders have a chance of a place, John Wright, of Wallasey A.C. and D. M. Turner, of Liverpool Harriers. Wright put up a fine show in the Northern championship; Turner has a particularly good record in University cross-country.
From Merseyside, Waterloo Harriers and Liverpool Harriers will be competing in the junior race; Liverpool will also have teams in the senior and youths' championships.
Ends
Source - Liverpool Echo - Thursday, 09/03/1961
Ref 1236