Wallasey Athletic Club's women's team finished 4th in the final Cheshire league meeting, largely due to the fine running of Janice Watts.
In the final league meeting of the season, the Wallasey team, much weakened by holidays were anxious to improve on the 4th position they had held all season in the league. Fulfilling her captain's role by setting a fine example, Janice won the senior 800 metres with powerful front running in 2 min. 23.9 sec. and then only 80 minutes later again won the 1500 metres in 5 min. 6.4 sec. In both these events she was well supported by Mary Caldwell, who was 3rd on both occasions, recording 2 min. 37 sec. in the 800 metres.
Also running well in this event was Helen Taylor, who recorded 2 min. 38 sec. for 4th position in the junior event and Lyn Carter in the minors' race.
The team finally finished behind Sale Harriers, Wirral A.C. and Warrington in the league, a fairly successful result in the absence of Barbara Banks, who is expected to be returning shortly. The team has, however, been disappointingly weak in the field events.
The men's team were also well under strength in the Rivington Trophy meeting at Bolton, which was eventually won by Sale Harriers.
Only Phil Wealthy and Dave Ashton took advantage of the reasonable track conditions and recorded personal best times. In the youths 200 metres Dave did well to record 25.6 sec. against a slight headwind, Phil recorded a best in failing to make the final of the 400 metres with a time of 52.3 sec.
Also in the senior 400 metres was Ian Wilson, who was well below his best in 53.5 sec.
Wallasey's best performance was in the 4 x 400 metres relay, the team which came so close to defeating Warrington last week, again performed well finishing very close to Sale Harriers. As well as contributing a fine 51.4 sec. relay leg, Pete Lewis finished a close 2nd in the invitation 800 metres after a slow tactical race.
Today both the men's and women's sections are competing in the Falcon Trophy meeting at Woodchurch. The standard should be high with teams from Liverpool Harriers, Wirral A.C., Stoke A.C., Stretford A.C. and Manchester A.C.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 24/07/1971
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