Wallasey Athletic Club is making a name for itself on the local cross-country scene.
The announcement of Barbara Jones's selection to represent England in the forthcoming European Catholic Schools' cross-country races in Ireland was only the start.
Last Saturday's Merseyside schools races at Sherdley Park, St. Helens, saw another five representative selections, this time for Merseyside in the all-England schools' inter -counties race.
The first to be selected was Janet McGee, running in the junior girls' race. She finished in sixth place in a time of 8mins, 5 secs. The first six in each of the races are assured of a place in me team, the other two places being awarded on merit.
Shibohn Power and Barbara Jones both ran in the same race, although the results were divided into the two age groups afterwards. Shibohn finished as fifth counter in the intermediate girls' section in 13 min. 54 sec, and Barbara finished third senior girl in 14 min. 12 sec. Marie Henry, another member, ran in the inter-girls and finished 11th in 14 min. 33 sec.
The other two qualifiers were Kevin McGee and Rob Heap. It was the first time that either of them had been given the chance to race against Chris Dagnall, from Liverpool Harriers, as at club level they are in different age groups. It was a challenge long-awaited by Kevin and Rob and one in which Kevin came out on top.
Rob lost contact towards the end of the race, but his running was hindered by a cold which affected his breathing. He was more than satisfied with his third place in the circumstances. Kevin was first in 28 mins., Chris was second in 28 min. 06 sec, and Rob's time was 29 min. 13 secs.
Another Wallasey athlete racing was James Roberts in the inter-boys age group. He didn't qualify but ran well to finish 43rd in 24.23.
All these success are due to continued and regular training, a matter not helped by the lack of a club headquarters. The club meets on a regular basis at St. George's School and, once a week, at the Woodchurch track. Both of these facilities are now withdrawn from our use due to the NUPE work-to-rule, which means an early close of the facilities.
We sincerely hope that the renewed activities of the Wallasey Sports Council will provide a replacement headquarters for the one destroyed by vandals, and at least one decent 40-metre running track in Wallasey.
Wallasey has running tracks but they have been too dangerous to use for many years. Perhaps the correct information as to how to lay a track and look after it will be obtained and acted upon should the town ever decide to provide the facility.
Wallasey Athletic Club is providing internationals now, surely they deserve training facilities in Wallasey.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 10/02/1979 by D. HANNA
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