Cross Country – Then and Now

Friday November 6^th 1987 was a date not on my radar until recently, when I came across an old press clipping from the Lancashire Evening Post.

The event was the first of the season’s Mid Lancs Cross Country runs at Stanley Park in Blackpool. The course was never a tough one but was rather more challenging than the current one as the hotel had not been built, there were a few undulating sections over rough ground at the far side and a few muddy bits. (The trail sections of today’s course were a later addition when the course was altered).

The race was won by Dave Lewis of Rossendale, an England and Great Britain international, who completed the three lap race in 31 mins and 5 seconds. Incredibly, this was one and a half minutes clear of the second place and who in turn was 43 seconds clear of the third place man. Dave Lewis was a real class act who, like all great athletes, could float over the ground, leaving us mere mortals gasping and struggling ankle deep in the mire.

Wesham turned out a creditable 23 men and 6 ladies, though I think this rather reflected the locality of the race than the popularity of cross country.

First home for Wesham was Geoff Nuttall in 59^th place. Geoff was a good runner, but Preston already had seven runners home by this time and they ended up only 3^rd team! Geoff was followed by Dave Walker (66), Terry Maunder (82), John Parker (95), Dave Waywell (102), Ian Garrod (125), P Ryan (133) and John Collier (147). Other runners that day included Terry Unsworth (185), Earl Smith (307), and, last in for Wesham, was C Newton (352).

The ladies were lead-in by L Gregg (54) with Celia Woods (56) and Kath Munro (57) hot on her heals

In the team competition, Clayton-Le-Moors were unassailable. You just took it for granted that they would win every time. Of the other teams competing, Lancashire Polytechnic, Preston Athletic Club and Springfields are, sadly, no more. Springfields had some good lads including a certain Nick Hulme (5) and Tony Croft (94) – wonder what became of them?

So how has cross country fared in the 19 years since this meeting? Certainly there are less people competing now. Whereas over 350 turned out for the Senior Men’s event in 1987. Last years field, for the first event at Burnley, was 229. It would also be true to say that the standard isn’t as high now. Granted the appearance of Dave Lewis was a one-off but generally there was more quality at the upper end of the field. (I’m beginning to sound like a grumpy old man aka the late Fred Trueman – “Things were better in’t’ past.”) I don’t believe this just applies to cross-country, it surely applies to all types of running – but that’s an issue for another day.

What has got better over the years is the Wesham Club as a competitive force. The likes of Charlie, Alex and Les are each capable of a top five finish on their day, and, as a club, we should be capable of holding a good position in the top division. If spirit and enthusiasm were enough, Wesham would be a winner every time. The pre-race inter club banter turns into deadly serious rivalry once the race starts and there’s no better feeling than coming out top dog. We have also upheld the splendid tradition of retiring to a hostelry for the after race pint and post mortem; “Win or lose – have a booze” (Geoff Nichols).

So as the summer drifts by and the days shorten the cross country season will be upon us once more. Do I still look forward to it? – Is the Pope a Catholic?

Written by John Collier

With thanks to all at the organising committee of Mid Lancs who do a great job every year.

Submitted: 2^nd August 2006

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor