The Women's National Cross-Country Championships held in Arrowe Park on Saturday was marred by anti-apartheid demonstrators who forced South African-born runner Zola Budd off the course after one-and-a-half miles.
Angela Tooby, of Cardiff, who was leading the senior race at the time, went on to win by five seconds from Ruth Smeeth of Aldershot.
Paula Fudge, of Hounslow, came in third, with Jill Rothwell of Liverpool finishing in sixth place.
The outstanding Wirral performance was the run of Joanne Forrester who finished in 23rd place.
Joanne has been showing great potential over the past two years. If she could get enough competition at northern and national level, she could develop into a potential national champion.
Other Wirral finishers were C. King 257, G. Bassnett 269, J. Hodgins 399, K. Hawkins 439, S. Kemp 522, and J. White 563.
Competing for Wallasey A.C. - Joanne Johnson 98th position, L. Phillips 102, C. Winstanley 200, and E. Derwent 212, enabled Wallasey to finish 19th in the team race.
The intermediate race was won by C. Kellor of Sale A.C.
Amanda Holmes of Liverpool A.C. won the junior girls race in fine style from N. Watts of Swindon. Annette McGinn of Wallasey A.C. finished 86th.
Wirral's junior race positions were as follows: R. King 96, S. Brockway 229, L. Hodson 314, A. Fenby 327, N. Evans 342, G. Morris 386, T. Roberts 462, H. Turner 476, A. Pounder 500, and L. McCarthy 507.
Over the years Wirral Athletic Club has built a reputation of the highest level for its course marking.
Everyone at Wirral A.C. acknowledges the superb work that the groundsmen of Arrowe Park produced over the three days prior to the event in co-operation with Wirral A.C. officials.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Thursday, 21/02/1985 by DAVE JEFFS
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