In the National Women's 4,000 metre cross-country championships at Arrowe Park, Wallasey Athletic Club's double victory bid just failed, but although defeated, the performance was very creditable.
Margaret Ashcroft, took eighth position in leading the senior team to second place only one point behind the winners, Aldershot, while the intermediate team took third place Margaret, the local favourite, found the competition a little to strong, and although holding a place in the leading group for the first 1000 metres she could never stay with Rosemary Cullen (Watford A.C.), and Christine Horsley (Houghton Harriers) who set a fast pace gradually moving away from the rest of the field.
Over the final part at the course Margaret again looked strong but was unable to regain any places, in the well spread out field.
As predicted Janice Watts and Mary Caldwell, both ran well above their previous form, Mary following in the formers footsteps only to be left over the final 2000 metres by Janice running with tremendous strength to finish 12th with Mary 18th.
The final team counter was Catherine Davenport, better known as pentathlete, made a spectacular debut, in the cross-country field finishing well up in 32nd position. Helen Thomas failed to count but persevered to finish 43rd.
While pleased with their third place the intermediate team must have been saddened at Sylvia Brimage collapsing after 2000 metres when well placed near the front of the field. Gillian King gave indication of her true potential finishing 15th well ahead of her club rivals, Lindsay Mutch in 23rd position, Susan Lloyd in 26th and Susan Carter 29th.
Sale won the team event with 41 points from Blackburn 87 points, and Wallasey 92 points.
The juniors could not fare so well, facing much stronger opposition and finishing in 8th position with Sale Harriers again winners. Diane Kelly was once again first home for the team in 14th position, with Christine Horobin 24th, Lyn Carter 41st, Sharon McCann, 48th and Vivian Higginson 51st.
Today the Women's inter-counties cross-country championships are being held at Blackburn.
Six Wallasey A.C. runners are included in the Cheshire teams, while one will be travelling as reserve and another will be representing Lancashire. In the senior race Margaret Ashcroft, Mary Caldwell and Helen Thomas will be hoping to help a strong Cheshire Senior team to a high placing. Joining the Wallasey girls will be another local runner Jane Perry, Wirral A.C.
In the intermediate team will be Sylvia Brimage and Gillian King while Lindsey Mutch will be standing by as reserve.
The only Wallasey representative in the junior team is Christine Horobin who should run well on the tough course.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 23/01/1971
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