In the North Wales youths' cross-country championships Wallasey Athletic Club's Gwyn Griffiths finished an easy winner. It was a very encouraging performance likely to boost his confidence and possibly begin the series of fine performances of which he is capable. He is only unfortunate in that there is no chance of an international run in this age group.
Two Wallasey runners, Barbara Banks and Janice Watts, were selected to run for the Northern League at the inter-league match at Birmingham. Barbara finished 5th and Janice 22nd, helping the Northern League to 2nd position behind the London League.
The race was won by Pauline Yeoman (London League) with Jean Lochead, of the Northern League, not far adrift.
In the annual club handicap Pete Lewis was a very convincing winner. After setting off third from last he sped through the field to win by 10 seconds from Dave Lockley and Phil Wealthy.
Unfortunately, the handicapping was a little biased towards the men, the best placed girl being Lindsay Hewson in 9th position.
The club was pleased to welcome two guests, Richard Boosters, who recorded 4th fastest time of the day, and Mick Firth, a former Wallasey AC runner, now living in London, who ran very well finishing 7th.
Fastest time of the day was recorded by last year's winner, Dave Lockley (12.06), with Bob Brimage, who finished 6th (17.45), and Pete Lewis (17.46) close behind.
As is traditional, everyone received a small prize after what is always a friendly afternoon's sport.
Today the senior men's team will be competing in the Cheshire cross-country championships, in which they finished 3rd last season.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 01/01/1972
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