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Splendid run from Toby Loveridge 23 February
The Liverpool Pembroke Sefton runners were at Alton Towers, not for the
entertainment facilities but for the spectacular National Cross Country
Championships. The tough course sapped the energies of many but the
club`s Toby Loveridge was a in a confident mood finishing 10th in the
Under 15 race and with the support of Chris Hatton(77), Ed Rimmer(93)
and Sean Kirkbride(136) gave LPS a fine 6th team spot and second
Northern club home. John Meakin was 161st. The only other team to finish
was the Under 13s with Kyle Nicholls(85), Warren Turner(101), Andrew
Hutchinson(201) and Daved Reece(209) occupying 26th place with Darren
McDonald(305) and Ben Haines(326) in reserve. John Bride was ruled out
having taken an unfortunate fall at the initial charge requiring medical
help. The Under 17s saw David Forrester back in fine form with 30th
place but he will be available to contest this again in 2009 where his
ambition will be much higher. Chris Hesketh(182) and Tom Hanlon(218)
also ran. There were two finishers in the Junior race Danny Gordon(142)
and Clark Roberts(162). In spite of being far from well Kirsty Longley
was inspired yet again in the Senior Women's encounter recording 114th
out of 495 finishers.
Results
At the National Indoor Centre in Birmingham the Under 20`s Championships
were held and no fewer than three club members progressed to the
semi-finals of the 400m, Harry Doran(49.7), Jack McGinn(50.3) and Danny
Higham(50.6). International Wayne Ashall who was unavailable for this
meeting could, on form, have figured in the eventual medals.
Report Charles Gains
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Another good run from Adam Clansey 16 February
Richard Burney(LHAC) comfortably won the Parbold Hill Race in 39.47 from
a field of 456 with Adam Clansey continuing to show good form placing
8th in 41.57. Greg Callaghan was also enjoying himself in the fine
conditions with an excellent 25th (45.37) and second in his O45 age
group. Dave Fairclough was 220th(58.46) and 4th in the O55 age group.
Results
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LPS Youngsters Sparkle 10 February
Sporting heroes are not always high profile, sometimes that accolade
goes to straightforward grafters. Such is the Liverpool Pembroke Sefton
Under 13 cross country squad. At Hyndburn for a Mid-Lancs Cross Country
fixture Kyle Nicholls(5), Warren Turner(7), Andrew Hutchinson(13) and
Jonathan Bride(26) pulled off a great team victory with Darren
McDonald(27), David Reece(28) and Ben Haines(31) eagerly dancing
attention. They are the joy and revelation of the club's winter
programme.
Elsewhere in the U15s Toby Loveridge raced to yet another victory and
with Ed Rimmer(11), Sean Kirkbride(16) and John Meakin(25) secured
second team spot. The U17s were lead home by a resurgent David
Forrester(2) and with Chris Hesketh(9) and Tom Hanlon(15) took another
winning slot. Hidden away in the U11s Nathan Browne(5) and Aaron
Quinn(6) gave more than a hint that the club's harrier production line
was alive and flourishing.
Kirsty Longley who never runs less than flat out, was an unsurprising
sixth in the Senior Women's race and immediately set her sights on the
next challenge, the National Cross Country Championships two weeks
ahead. Ormskirk's June Swift was a sound 35th and will regard this as
excellent preparation for her attack on the club's 800m record during
the summer months. Other girls in action were U11 Charlotte Haines(22),
U13 Erin Devlin(54) and U15s Jade Hyslop(20) and Nicole Garner(32).
Results
The Liverpool and District Cross Country Championships were conducted
against the
 magnificent
back drop of Croxteth Hall, hosted and splendidly organised by LPS
members Robbie Wood and Richie Webster. Pride of place in the race went
to a courageous Bernie Murphy(4th) with Adam Clansey, coming back into
real form in 10th spot. Sammy Rashid will be disappointed with his 26th
but in contrast Steve Murphy will be delighted with 51st in his first
outing for the club. Mark Bleasdale also had a fine run in 80th place
Results
Meanwhile at the televised Indoor Norwich Union World Trials and UK
championships Phil Taylor was tackling the 400m. Fourth place in his
heat with 48.38 was nevertheless sufficient to carry him through to a
semi-final. Fifth in 48.64 was not good enough though for a crack at the
medals. Phil is going through one of those baffling moments in a racing
career when everything looks good but is not reflected in results. He
just needs the breakthrough his talent and effort deserves and he will
be reclaiming yet another international vest.
Results
Report Charles Gains
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Michael Rimmer Merseyside Athlete of the Year 5th
February
At the glittering awards ceremony in the new Echo Arena on Monday night
Michael Rimmer was named as the inaugural Merseyside Athlete of the
Year. He said, `It`s a massive honour to receive this award...a
recognition for all the hard work I have put in. I have proved I can
hold my own with the top 10 in the world and I believe there`s a lot
more to come. I`m training hard and hoping to make an impression at the
Olympic Games in Beijing'. Michael beat off strong opposition from
sprinter Anyika Onuora, middle distance runner Vicky Griffiths, high
jumper Martyn Bernard as well as rising stars David Forrester and
Katerina Thompson. It is fantastic news that the first time this award
is made it goes to an LPS member.
Read Echo Article
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Ashall Captains England to Victory 3
February
In the Home Countries Indoor match in Cardiff the Liverpool Pembroke
Sefton 400m sprint star, Wayne Ashall, was
 given
the job of captain of the England Junior team, a token of the high
respect he now commands in athletic circles. Not yet 18 his maturity was
recognised and rewarded by the selectors. A little short of 100% fitness
he came second in his favourite event in 50.2 seconds but was also part
of the 4 x 200m relay squad that took the gold medals. The double
satisfaction was that in the team competition England triumphed over
their UK counterparts. Wayne is now setting his sights on the
forthcoming outdoor season which includes the World Junior
Championships.
Meanwhile senior club colleague Phil Taylor, another 400m specialist,
was competing for Great Britain in the International Grand Prix series
of Indoor events in Austria. In Vienna his 48.70 gave him 10th out of 49
competitors. In Linz a few days later he was marginally quicker with
48.67 but this time 5th overall. He next tackles the trials for the
World Indoor Championships in Sheffield. LPS have in Ashall and Taylor
two outstanding prospects that together with the club's 800m super star,
Michael Rimmer, are bringing the local athletic scene to national
attention.
Report Charles Gains
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Merseyside School Cross Country Championships 2
February
A number of club athletes took part in the Merseyside County Schools
Cross Country Championships
on a sunny winter's day at Arrowe Park The performance of the day came
from Toby Loveridge, who despite running a year under his age group,
came third in the Inter Boys race, only 6 sec. behind the winner. He was
beaten into second place by Dave Forrester and the two combined to earn
Sefton second team place behind Wirral. John Meakin was 25th & Sean
Dignam 27th in the same race.
In the Junior Boys race, Warren Turner (18th) representing Sefton edged
out Andrew Hutchinson(21st) representing St.Helens. George Curran (30th)
helped Sefton finish third in the team event behind Wirral & Isle of
Man. Athletes can now look forward to competing in the English Schools
Championships in Sefton Park on March 8th. Elizabeth Cooper and Erin
Devlin both ran well in the Year 7 Girl's race finishing 15th and 21st
respectively
Results
The Lancashire Championships were held over a snow covered course at
Blackburn's Witton Park and high performers there included Sean
Kirkbride(7th) in the Junior Boys and the duo of Chris Hesketh(4th) and
Paul Roberts(5th) in the Intermediates. The real prize here is county
selection for the prestigious English Schools Championships that will be
held locally this year in Sefton Park.
Report Wally Bridson
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