With the men's National Cross-Country championships last week, the English cross-country season has drawn to a close.
Wallasey Athletic Club have suffered several disappointments with strong men's and women's teams at the beginning of the season gradually deteriorating.
The senior men's team, weakened from the beginning of the reason by an injury to Phil Wealthy, and later the loss of county runner Dave Lockley, never performed to their true form.
The team's best performance came in January when they were just beaten to the runners-up position in the Cheshire Championships, their best performance for several seasons. By the Northern Championships, the squad of twelve runners was reduced to less than half.
Further injuries to Dave Lindsay, who has been the club's most consistent runner, and captain, John Wright, resulted in no team competing in the Northern Championships.
Individuals Mike Teahan and Mike Whiteside, competed although their main interests were in the coming track and road racing seasons.
Despite these setbacks prospects, for next season look brighter, with the promotion of Bob Brimage and Bob Warburton to the senior ranks.
In the younger age groups a useful colts team could be successful but all the other teams will be very weak.
The women have faired rather better, the loss of Barbara Banks and later Margaret Ashcroft have served to make the other athletes work harder and help fill the gap.
The early part of the season saw Barbara Banks win all the Northern League meetings and Wallasey take a close second after leading until the final meeting. After Christmas the team was again second in the National Novice Cross-Country Championships with Janice Watts and Mary Caldwell showing much improvement on their earlier form.
Unfortunately by the Northern Championships injury had reduced Mary's form, but Janice ran well in producing the best late season performance in the club.
Next year the team will be much stronger with several girls graduating to the senior team, this will result in harder competition for team places and an all-round improvement in standards.
On Sunday, Wallasey A.C. is host to the Northern Veterans who will be contesting their 10 kilometre road championships. It would be greatly appreciated if those members not competing in the Warrington winter track meeting could helpp marking and officiating from 11 a.m. at the club-house.
Carl Gee, Ramsey Hewson and Jim Rimmer will be representing the club in this race while about twenty members will be competing at Warrington.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 13/03/1971
Ref 1570