Over the last few weeks, members of Wallasey Athletic Club have been busy in many different competitions win varying degrees of success.
Starting with the Wirral Schools, where all Wallasey athletes acquitted themselves well, Ian Mcleod completed the sprint double, Pete Doyle won the boys' 800m. Janet McGee the inter girls' 4Km. Jane Dyer came second, in the inter girls' 100m.; Lynn Kennedy won the junior girls' 800m. Mike Vial the youths' 400m. And Carol Johnson the inter girls' 1500m.
Francesca Phillips found no competition in the 400m. Hurdles but Sean Hampson gained second place in the 110m. Boys' hurdles. All these athletes were then selected for the Wirral team to compete in the Merseyside Schools Championships, held at Kirkby, where a place in the Merseyside team for the inter-counties match at Warley was at stake.
Competition was very keen and our athletes had to be at their very best. At the end of the day, three athletes had gained either first or second place in their events, Ian Mcleod, first in the senior boys' 200m. And second in the 100m. Francesca Phillips, second in the inter girls' 400m. And Janet McGee, second in the inter girls' 400m. These three athletes then represented Merseyside in the inter-counties match at Warley.
Success and the qualifying time would ensure a place in the Merseyside team for the English Schools Championships. These championships bring the cream of young athletes together, from all over the country in an 'Olympic' style competition.
Once again Wallasey athletes proved their worth and Ian, Fran and Jan gained selection. This is a wonderful achievement on the part of these youngsters, and our best wishes go with them for the championships. Meanwhile, the senior men travelled to Middlesbrough to compete in the Northern League, a competition always enjoyed by the athletes as they often have a chance to compete in events outside their own. The team finished fourth overall and were well pleased with their efforts. The New Brighton Road Relays organised by Wallasey A.C. as part of the Wirral Festival of Sport were well supported on the men's side, although Wallasey were not among the prize winners. But support for the ladies' race was a total of two; one being from Wallasey. Sadly, this event will be omitted from next year's festival.
Due to the number of events covered in this report individual timings and placings are not given. Anyone wishing to have more information about he club should ring D. Hanna (638 0296) or B. McGee (638 8403).
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 04/07/1981 by B. McGee
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