The girls' section of Wallasey Athletic Club made history last Saturday, sending two members to Bury to compete in the Women's Senior Cross-Country Championships over a hilly (and heavy) 3¼ mile course.
From the start. Madeleine Ibbotson. the favourite, went into the lead, closely followed by Pam Davies, the Southern champion, and Brenda Bailey, the international half-miler from Bury. The rest of the 79 starters were closely packed for the first lap of just over half-a-mile until the fast early pace began to tell, and they stretched out over the next mile, which was made up of a steep hill loop with a water jump at the bottom.
By this time Wallasey's two runners, Margaret Ashcroft and Barbara Banks, had settled down near the middle of the field, with the former looking quite strong at this point.
The second lap sorted out the wheat from the chaff, no fewer than eight girls failing to make the second hill.
Of the 79 starters, 64 finished the course, with M. Ibbotson home 1st in 19 mins. 43 secs., 2nd P Davies, 19-55, 3rd B. Bailey 20-21.
Margaret Ashcroft was 44th in 23-23 and Barbara Banks 59th in 25-34, which is considered good for two girls running in their first cross-country race.
The team race was won by Bury, with L.O.A.C. (London) 2nd and Mitcham A.C. 3rd.
Today, Wallasey's senior runners are attempting a 'double' of the Windermere to Kendal and Sutton road races. Last year Wallasey won both of these races on separate days but this year they coincide, so the club has to split its forces, with Brian Woolford, Ron Barlow and John Wright defending at Kendal, and Kevin Mather, Brian Chalton, Roy Parry, John Young and perhaps Mick Frith going to Sutton. The club wishes both teams success.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 14/03/1964 by DISCOBOLUS
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