Following a hesitant second placing in the district event two weeks ago, Wallasey Athletic Club's youth team redeemed themselves last Saturday at Sherdley Park, St. Helens, by crushing all opposition and proving that, with determined front running, they are capable of beating the best clubs in the North of England.
This West Lancashire victory was the first by the youths' team since 1936, and as all but one member move up into the junior ranks next year, there is good reason to expect further honours coming their way in that section.
Dave Lockley once again led the team home, in 5th place, with Johnny Jones close behind in 6th position, and both runners are capable of higher placing in this company.
Brian Knox started well, faltered for a time in the hilly area of the course, then fought back strongly near the end to take 8th place, with Mel Schless not far behind at 13th.
This gave a total of 32 points to Liverpool's 48, with Waterloo well down in 3rd place with 87 points.
Another good run from Steve Walker (18th) gave valuable backing to the four Wallasey counters. John Horobin (32) and Phil Wealthy (35) had indifferent performances.
A sixth placing in the senior event was all that could be expected, with Ron Barlow 'off colour' in 11th place, John Wright (17), Barrie Smith (23), Len Durkin (62), Mike Teahan (70) and Doug Hanna (73).
The boys' team packed too far back to be effective and finished in 5th place with 107 points to Pembroke's 43. Colin Reiners was first placed for Wallasey in 22nd position and he was closely followed by Bob Brimage (24), Paul Hughes (30), Garry Fair (31) and Gerry Mc Gregor (39), but it must be remembered that all but Reiners are 'boys' again next year, when they could well be a force to be reckoned with in the district.
Ladies' captain Barbara Banks travels to Cleckheaton, Yorkshire today for the women's Northern cross-country championships and is confidently expected to finish in the first three places after her fine runs in the league and 'National 2½' recently.
Barbara will again be meeting both A. Leggatt (Sheffield) and P. Lowis (Bury), who edged her out of first place at Bolton in the National, so she will have a score to settle today.
Tactics should play a major role in the outcome and if the Wallasey girl can keep the leaders within easy reach for the first mile or so, she is capable of such a strong 'run for home' that she may be able to drop her rivals on the remaining portion of the 3½-mile course.
A sealed handicap has been arranged for the remainder of the club, starting at 3 p.m., and using the 3¼-mile traditional handicap course of Leasowe Road, with the return along the foreshore.
The runners will start together as in an ordinary race, but will not know their handicap until after the final finishing times have been taken.
Prizes will be awarded to the first three (on handicap) and to the runner who reduces his or her basic time by the most.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 03/02/1968 by DISCOBOLUS
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