Wallasey Athletic Club had four teams competing in the National Road Relays at Bradford this weekend. It was the largest entry ever from the club and the best performances came from the senior teams, who finished in 13th place out of a field of 50 teams.
The junior teams competed in one of the most hotly contested races of the afternoon. Lynn Carter did well to finish in 27th place in the first leg, but Diana Kelly, running her first race for some time, dropped back to 32nd. The final leg of the 2,000 metres was run by Gillian Forshaw who slipped back to 37th position.
Once again the intermediate team slipped back as the race progressed.
Sue Lloyd finished 18th after a good run, while Julie Halfpenny, who made her debut for the club brought the team home in 26th place.
With two teams in the senior race Wallasey hopes were high but the absence of Mary Caldwell and Margaret Ashcroft meant that the teams were well below their usual strength.
Barbara Banks started the first leg of the 3,000 metres by recording 11 mins. 26 secs. and finishing in 5th place. Susan Carter followed but she wasn't able to hold the place, and finished 14th, with a time of 14 mins. 7 secs.
The gap was too large for Janice Watts to regain much ground but she did regain one position, recording 12 mins. 4 secs.
Of the 'B' team the most encouraging performance was by Jean Beswick, who after a road accident, has come back into the reckoning for a first team place, recording 14 mins. 1 sec. The other two members of the team were not far behind.
Audrey McKay was timed at 14 mins. 15 secs. and Margaret Caldwell at 15 mins. 4 secs.
It was a worthwhile day's performance which should indicate a successful future for this section of the club.
Today the men's team will be competing in the first Liverpool & District League Meeting at Woolton. It is hoped the team will maintain their fifth place gained last season.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 20/11/1971
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