Barbara Banks of Wallasey Athletic Club, finished 23rd in the international Cross-Country Championships, at Wageram, Belgium at the weekend.
Barbara once again justified her selection for the England team, and helped them to win the event for the third consecutive year.
The course was typical of the type favoured on the continent. It was completely flat and bore little resemblance to the tough English courses.
As a result Barbara was unable to utilise her considerable strength, which may well have taken her to an even higher position.
Other members of the winning team were Joyce Smith (2nd), Rita Ridley (4th), Penny Yule (10th); Carol Gould (22nd) and Norine Braithwaite (30th).
The men's race was won by the host team, Belgium, from the U.S.S.R. and New Zealand. The English team was outside the first three for the first time in 70 years!
This weekend 16 Wallasey athletes will be training at the National Recreational Centre, Lilleshall, in preparation for the track season which starts in earnest at Wigan on the 8th April.
The mens team are hoping to secure the promotion into the Northern Premier League that so narrowly eluded them last season.
The women will be competing in a newly formed North West league.
Both sections are anxious, to gain new members, both senior and junior (over 12 years old), anyone interested should contact Phil Wealthy Tel. 638 7330.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 24/03/1973
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