Borders League - Race 7 - Wrexham organised by Wrexham A C on 04/05/2007 (Seniors)
The Borders League series drew to a close for 2006-2007 on a warm evening in Wrexham. A fast flat course was tackled by 30 Wallasey runners with the ladies having their largest contingent in the club's Borders League short history. The ladies were vying for a promotion spot and valiantly won the division two team race on the night but did not gain sufficient points to overhaul Deestriders, thus finishing in third position. The men battled bravely to come 5th but despite only finishing in the bottom two twice over the 7 race series somehow managed to find themselves bottom of the division and were therefore relegated to the second division. Front runners for the club were Mike Stanley and Joe Johnson for the men and Ann Taylor-Kilbane and Tricia Jones for the ladies. Shields were awarded for individual performances over the series to John Cottrell 2nd in the over 60 male category, Tony Barbat 5th in the over 45 male category, Matt Williams 3rd in the under 20 men, Pete Lonsdale 2nd in the over 65 male, Ann Taylor-Kilbane 4th over 40 ladies and Anne Brimage 3rd in the over 50 ladies category.
Mens' captain Dave Walton added "Despite being relegated from division one there has been many positives from the Borders league season. The number of athletes representing Wallasey AC at each race has varied between 18 in the last race and 23 in race 4 at Christleton. The total number of different athletes donning the famous scarlet and blue vest during the season is a remarkable 37, a prodigious achievement for a club of our size. Individual awards in their respective age categories go to Pete Lonsdale, John Cottrell, Tony Barbat and Matt Williams. Well done to them and all that have represented Wallasey A.C. throughout the season. Thanks to everyone for excellent support and I look forward to next years promotion battle".
Ladies captain Louise Merivale said "Whilst disappointed to have narrowly missed out on promotion to the 1st division, a great deal of credit has to go to all the ladies who took part in this season's Borders League series. The ladies showed great commitment and willingness to support their club throughout the season with some outstanding running. Although the Borders League is about the team and not individuals special credit has to go to Ann Taylor-Kilbane who in all her races finished inside the top 25 ladies and thoroughly deserved her overall award and 4th in age category. Great to see Tricia Jones back to racing ways at the back end of the season with 2 great performances. Julie Barbat and Anne Brimage with the best attendance of 5 out of 7 races. Well done to Anne Brimage who collected 2 individual awards, my sincere thanks goes to all the ladies for taking part with such energy and enthusiasm and if we work hard over the whole of next season we will hopefully secure our place in the top flight of Borders league running."