With most or the major athletic fixtures completed, Wallasey's cross-country runners are beginning to build up their training, for the forthcoming season.
The next two months will be used for basic conditioning, consisting of fairly long, easy runs over the country, the benefit of which will become apparent after Christmas.
On paper, the club will be fielding strong teams in all sections. Once again the women's section looks strongest, and led by cross-country and track international Barbara Banks. The senior section looks certain to be successful.
The team will have five other regular runners - Margaret Ashcroft, Shaena O'DeIl and Jean Bestwick - all county representatives, and Mary Caldwell and Suzanne Kew.
Last winter the team took second place in the Northern Championships to Bury and Radcliffe A.C.
This year they may well take the premier place.
With stronger competition the senior men will find big success hard to come by.
They may well exceed expectations but much on Dave Lindsay recovering from injury and remaining free from injury.
With most of the other runners active and fit from track and road running there should be no early fitness problems.
The experienced John Wright the team captain, Dave Lockley should once again be in the Cheshire team, with Dave Lindsay, John Wright, Barrie Smith and Phil Wealthy not far behind.
It is hoped that Mike Whiteside, fresh from his successful road-racing season, will also make a greater impression and possibly help the team to improve on their third place in the Cheshire championships.
In the younger age groups the teams do not appear to have the depth to gain any big success, apart from the boys' team, which may well mould into a good team with training.
Their best runner, Peter Martian, is in excellent form at the moment and should retain his place in the Cheshire Schools team.
As last year, the youths will again, be searching for their final runner. Bob Brimage and Bob Warburton will, however, be hard to beat individually.
Bob's sister Sylvia will be leading the intermediate girls team into what could be a devastating run of success, which could see them well placed in the national championships.
Supporting Sylvia will be three girls straight from sucessful track seasons, Susan Carter, Lindsay Mutch and Gillian King. In the junior girls' team the competition for team places will ensure a high standard. Foremost in the team should be Susan Lloyd, Julie Halfpenny and Gillian Murray. Potential runners are always welcome at Lingham Park, Moreton, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. or at the pavilion, Leasowe playing fields, Tuesdays or Thursday evenings.
Today a team will be completing an inter-club at Wigan.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 08/08/1970
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