In the National Women's, Inter-Counties cross-country championship at Blair Castle near Bristol, Cheshire were led home by Wallasey's Barbara Banks. Barbara, just recovering from a troublesome injury which has kept her out of training for three weeks, sprang back to form, leading a field which included European Games representatives Rosemary Stirling.
Barbara went on to finish a splendid fourth only half a minute behind the winner Rita Ridley of Essex. Twenty fifth was Margaret Ashcroft, also of Wallasey, maintaining her great form of the previous week, when she was 11th in the National 4,000 m. championship. Running for Lancashire was club newcomer Sheena O'Dell who must improve an already fine team, with Jeania Beswick, 72nd and Cheshire's 5th runnier home.
In the junior race Gillian Ackers once again ran with great promise leading the Cheshire team home in 34th place. Sylvia Brimage, was 52nd in the intermediate race and could no doubt have been higher with more training and creditably close to her was Susan Carter in 74th place.
The men's section were out in force at St. Helens running in the West Lancashire championship. The only team to bring home any medals were the youths, who once again ran into second team place
behind Pembroke A.C., Bob Warburton, their captain, led them home in 6th place a record for the hard training he sets himself of up to 50 miles a week, more than most of the senior team. Ninth was Gary Fair, now running near his best just beating the greatly improved Roy McGurn, a runner always keen to 'have a go' even in 12 mile training runs. Completing the team, was the admirably consistent Bob Brimage.
The boys' team could only manage fifth place. The only notable performances were from Pete Martin a fiery 20 mins. and Carl Tomlinson a promising 42nd,
None of the Seniors were near their best, finding the 9 miles of tough country a little beyond their best distance. Mike Turner, Liverpool Harrier's international cross-country runner demolished the field 'killing off' the leading group which included Dave Lockley, who faded to 12th place. Dave's disappointment was typical of the whole team, all 'below par'.
WEST LANCASHIRE CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
BOYS (5 m. team)
20th P. Martin; 26th A. Ostler; 38th G. Griffiths; 42nd C. Tomlinson; 45th: M. Vick; 47th P. Wade.
YOUTHS (2nd m. team)
6th R. Warburton; 9th G. Fair; 10th R. McGurn; 11th B. Brimage.
SENIORS (5 m. team)
12th D.Lockley; 28th J. Wright; 44th M. Teahan; 46th M. Whiteside; 67th D. Hughes; 68th J. Lynch.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 31/01/1970 by P.M.F & P.M.W.
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