Wallasey Athletic Club competed with little success in both the Women's and Men's Northern Cross-Country Championships at Sheffield and Blackburn, respectively. Best placing was by Janice Watts who finished 5th in the senior women's event.
Two very depleted teams found the courses very muddy affair after a wet week.
The women, without Barbara Banks last year's winner, Margaret Ashcroft and Sheana O'Dell, had no hope of a placing. The three girls having made the journey over the Pennines made brave efforts.
Janice Watts, a student physical education teacher, who after beginning the season in comparative unfitness, has continued to improve running a good race over the three-mile course.
Mary Caldwell, still looking worried over a knee injury, could only manage 36th place, a position well below her true form, and Helen Thomas, looking much fitter, finished 44th.
Individual winner Jean Lochead (Airdale and Spen Valley Athletic Club), from Wirral Athletic Club track international Jane Perry.
In the men's event, Dave Lindsey, John Wright and Phil Wealthy were all unavailable through injuries, while Dave Hughes and Barrie Smith, were not fit enough for the tough nine-mile course.
Mike Teahan was Wallasey's first runner home in 162nd place running well within himself and finishing with plenty to spare in 52 minutes; this should set Mike up for a good track season.
Mike Whiteside was just over a minute behind in 192nd place, this will be Mike's final race of the season, as he will now be starting his training for this summer's marathons.
With Bob Warburton suffering from pneumonia, Bob Brimage was the club's only representative in the youth's event, but had an indifferent run, only making 64th.
Senior Northern Champion was Trevor Wright (Hallamshire A.C.) for the second year, while Bolton Harriers gained the team award. Today is the final Liverpool & District Cross-Country League meeting at Sherdley Park, St. Helens.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 20/02/1971
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