WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club will compete in the top flight of the Northern Track and Field League next year.

The Ellesmere Port Sports Village-based outfit retained their place in Division One after a battling final round performance at Wakefield.

Josh Ford, Laura Turley, Nicola Gore, Emma Howe and Sophie Percival all celebrated individual victories in challenging wet and windy conditions.

They all received vital back-up from Ellie Robinson, Beth McMahon, Ellen McMahon, Abigail Cartwright, Joy Hickman, Lily Moorhouse, Lucia Pyne, Danielle Erskine, Debra Erskine, Matthew Webb, Tom Roberts, Alan Littler, Steff Farley, Paul Morrison, Ethan Ackroyd, Andy Carter, Ethan Greenland, Andrew Clague, Dylan Moore, Charlie Hyde, Dave McKay, and Craig Smith.

Ford posted a new 100m personal best of 11.03 seconds for victory, and Turley clocked 12.29 seconds for joint first place in the 100m and a winning 200m time of 24.56 seconds, while Gore hit 9.93m for top spot in the B shot put.

And Howe (42.50m) and Percival (34.99m) teamed up for maximum points in the women’s javelin competition.

OVERALL STANDINGS (after four rounds): 1 Blackburn 22 points; 2 Team Isle of Man 17; 3 Wakefield 16; 4 West Cheshire 13; 5 City of York 11; 6 Wigan 5.

JESSICA LARK equalled the West Cheshire AC under 13 girls 1500m club record with a winning time of five minutes 6.2 seconds at Warrington AC’s Terry Davies Memorial Open Meeting alongside club mates Aimee and Ruby Phillips who also enjoyed success.

JOSEPH MORRISON of West Cheshire AC posted a new under 23 men’s 1500m personal best and club record of 4:01:46 for victory at the Trafford Open Meeting where George Hyde also hit a new under 20 men’s shot put personal best of 17.43m for success.

TOM BOOTH, Keely Smith and Joy Hickman secured a hat-trick of victories for West Cheshire AC at the Pie and Peas Five Miles Road Race at Winsford.

Booth, on the back of last week’s Ponderosa Fell Race victory, clocked a winning time of 27:16 at Winsford, ahead of Smith who won the over 35 ladies prize and finished fourth lady in 33:44, and Joy Hickman who was first over 50 lady in 37:15.

Steve Fernyhough was second over-35 man and 16th overall in 30:57, ahead of Andy Carter (fourth over-45 man in 30:58), Tony Woodall (fifth over-45 man in 31:34), Danny Thwaites (31:58), Ian Gloyne-Phillips (32:09), Stuart Thomas (33:34), Richard Hayes (34:16), Anthony Spruce (34:29), Kerry Riley (second senior lady in 35:16), and David Irving (36:06).

Ellie Robinson was third in her over-45 lady category in 37:00, ahead of Mark Gallagher (37:50), Clare Mallon (fourth over-45 lady in 38:36), and Tony Kennedy (41:18).

BRIAN WRIGHT of West Cheshire AC was first in his over-65 age group with a new age group club record time 76:29 at the Preston 10 Miles Road Race, ahead of Sarah Hibbert (fifth over-50 lady in 89:27).

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race being hosted by West Cheshire AC on Sunday, September 15. The online entries link is: https://wcac.niftyentries.com/guildensutton10k

FIXTURES this weekend include the Northern Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 Track and Field Championships at Wavertree, Liverpool, on Saturday and Sunday.

The Wrexham Games take place at Queensway Stadium on Saturday, and the Trafford AC Grand Prix Distance and Throws Meeting take place at Longford Park Stadium, Stretford, on Tuesday, August 20.

West Cheshire AC will compete in the final round of the Northern Track and Field League on Saturday, 10th August, at Thornes Park Athletics Stadium, Horbury Road, Wakefield, WF2 8TY.

A coach will leave Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Saturday between 8.15-8.30am.

Best wishes to everyone involved!

HELP NEEDED FOR GUILDEN SUTTON 10k ROAD RACE
Dennis Wall is currently trying to compile a list of helpers needed for the Club to host and organise the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race being held on Sunday 15th September. If you can help please email Dennis at: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

SHORT-LISTED FOR NORTH WEST AWARDS
West Cheshire AC has been short-listed for the England Athletics North West Club of the Year Ceremony to be held at Wigan’s DW Stadium on Monday 30th September.

HELP NEEDED FOR WIRRAL MULTI-TERRAIN LEAGUE FIXTURE
Five volunteers are needed to help West Cheshire AC set up and marshall the Wirral Multi Terrain League race at Thurstaston on Tuesday, 10th September (7pm start). Anyone who can help should email Mike Lamb ASAP at: myclam.pleck@tiscali.co.uk

The full list of Wirral Multi Terrain League dates and venues are: Royden Park on Tuesday 3rd September (7pm); Thurstaston on Tuesday 10th September (7pm), Harrison Drive on Tuesday 17th September (6.30pm), and Arrowe Park on Tuesday 24th September (6.30pm).

ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS INVITE
Ellie Robinson is urging any members wanting to compete in the North West Counties and Cheshire Road Relays Championships at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, on Sunday, 8th September, and/or the Northern Athletics Autumn Road Relays Championships at SportCity, Manchester, on Sunday, 15th September, to get in touch with her via email. The club will pay the entry fees as in previous years. You must be a first claim claim member. Unfortunately, this year we have a clash on 15th September with the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race which hopefully a lot of you are already committed to running in or helping at. Details of timings etc for the Autumn Relays are here.
Email Ellie at:ellie.henrob3@outlook.com

PILOT TRACK & FIELD EVENT ORGANISERS NEEDED
The Club have accepted an invitation from England Athletics Club Support Manager Nick Settle to pilot an open competition with a difference later this summer in a bid to encourage more youngsters to participate in athletics.

Members and/or parents keen to help deliver the Blast Pilot Initiative should contact Dennis Wall ASAP at Club training or by emailing: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

REGIONAL ENDURANCE WORKSHOP
West Cheshire AC has agreed to host England Athletics Regional Endurance Coaching Workshops this Winter.

The target audience will be Coaches working with athletes who are County standard or higher, and athletes aged 11-18. The duration will be up to three hours to include Q&A/discussion.

An interval training session will be held in December, and a threshold training session will take place in March.

URGENT HELP NEEDED
The Club needs urgent help, support, and assistance from parents during Tuesday evening (6.30pm-8pm) and Saturday morning (10am-12 noon) training sessions at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track (6.30pm-8pm).

PARENTS who can help should contact Dennis Wall on 07968643038 or email:dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

WHY NOT BECOME AN OFFICIAL?
West Cheshire AC is keen to help any parents of members wanting to become qualified officials. The Club will pay for parents of members wanting to attend an officials course.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

Further details about officiating can be found here.

BECOME ONE OF OUR CLUB COACHES
Any parents of West Cheshire AC members wanting to become qualified coaches will be fully supported by the Club who will pay for coaching courses.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

Further details about coaching can be found here.

IT’S GOOD TO TALK
Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about any Club training sessions being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, west cheshire ac jnr to u20 middle distance group

WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
All parents of youngsters attending track training sessions are reminded to collect their sons and daughters from the track – not from the car park. The Club wants to ensure everyone stays safe and that every youngster safely leaves every track training session. 

CLUB KIT
Anyone wanting to purchase club vests (£17) and/or hoodies (£15) is reminded that parents Vikki Brett and Joanne Lark will sell club kit at the EPSV Track Office AFTER Tuesday night training sessions.

Payment can be made by cash, or by cheque made payable to West Cheshire AC.

INVITE TO OBTAIN TRACK AND FIELD CERTIFICATE
All Club members are being invited to support our club by completing the Track & Field Online Management Course to help West Cheshire AC look after the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track. Further details can be found here: https://www.ulearnathletics.com/module/154

PHYSIO SUPPORT
Club member Heather McLintock is a qualified physiotherapist and offers substantial discounted prices for West Cheshire AC members on production of their membership card. Heather can be contacted on 01244 381350 or 07885 462487.

WEEKLY PRESS REPORT
This week’s press report can be found here.

FIXTURES
Saturday, August 10: Northern Track and Field League Round Four, at Wakefield.

Wednesday, August 14: Manchester International Track Meeting, at the Manchester Regional Athletics Arena (next to the Etihad Stadium).

Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18: Northern Athletics Under 13s, Under 15s, and Under 17s Track & Field Championships, at Wavertree, Liverpool.

Saturday, August 17: Race The Train 14 Miles Race, at Tywyn, Mid Wales.

Sunday, August 18: Birchwood 10k Road Race, near Warrington.

Wednesday, August 21: Capenhurst 5k Road Race.

Thursday, August 22: British Mile Relays, at Birkenhead Park.

Sunday, August 25: Ellesmere 10k Road Race.

Monday, August 26: Trafford Open Medal Track & Field Meeting.

Monday, August 26: Cilcain Show Fell Race.

Wednesday, August 28: Wirral Seaside 5k Race, at Leasowe.

Thursday, August 29: Mid Cheshire 5k Road Race, at Kingsley.

Saturday, August 31-Sunday, September 1: England Athletics Under 15 and Under 17 Championships, at Bedford.

Sunday, September 1: Cheshire Track & Field League Round Four, at Ellesmere Port Sports Village

(photo courtesy of Bryan Dale)
Regular off-roaders continue to dominate the women’s league, with Ellie and Clare M still clear, and Deb still a point ahead of Claire H. Steve and Andy are now level-pegging in the men’s competition, with Andrew clear in third. For tables at the end of July, see the middle of the Road Running page.

A healthy 16 West Cheshire runners turned up for pie and peas, and the race of the same name that preceded it. The women were led home by Keely, in an excellent 4th place/ 1st FV35. Tom Booth led home the entire field again, as in the Ponderosa last Wednesday, so he clearly enjoys races beginning (end ending) with P’s.

The large contingent of eleven on the men’s side included four newcomers to the league: Ian Gloyne-Phillips, David Irving, Anthony Spruce and Mark Gallagher. It also meant big points on offer, enabling Tony to leap-frog Chris to take a seven-point lead into the last round, with Richard in joint 2nd and Andy just two points behind in 4th.

Ellie maintains a 15-point lead in the women’s league, while Keely and Kerry continue to move up the rankings into 2nd and 4th respectively. Standings in both women’s and men’s leagues are now up at the bottom of the off-road page.

A long break until the final round, the Cilcain Mountain Race on Bank Holiday Monday, 26-08-19. As mentioned on Facebook, a nice occasion whether or not you still want to gain those last remaining points – or stop someone sneaking past in your absence 😉

THREE West Cheshire Athletic Club runners are celebrating title victories.

Dave Bish, Joseph Morrison, and Tom Booth have all grabbed glory at three different fixtures.

Bish won the over-75 men’s prize at the Helena Tipping 10k Road Race with a time of 55 minutes 23 seconds, after recently winning the over-70 men’s trophy at the Tenby 10k Road Race.

Morrison secured success at the Wirral Seaside 5k Race held at Leasowe. It was his fourth consecutive win in the series and he will be aiming to extend his good run of form in the final fixture being held on August 28.

And Booth won the Ponderosa Fell Race above Llangollen with a time of 25 minutes 44 seconds, ahead of club mates Tony Woodall (third over-45 man in 30:25), Chris Palmer, and Ellie Robinson.

STEVE FERNYHOUGH represented West Cheshire AC at Conwy in the North Wales Half Marathon and finished fourth in a time of one hour 29 minutes 31 seconds.

TONY WOODALL was the first of four West Cheshire AC finishers at the Deestriders Off Road Race Series fixture held at Shotton.

Woodall posted 29 minutes 41 seconds, ahead of club mates Clare Mallon (36:40), Tony Kennedy (38:29), and Mark Povey (41:32).

WEST CHESHIRE AC were represented by a large contingent of members on Sunday at the penultimate round of the Cheshire Track and Field League at Longford Park Stadium, Trafford.

The final round will be hosted by West Cheshire AC at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track on Sunday, September 1.

FIXTURES this weekend include the final round of the Northern Track and Field League at Wakefield on Saturday (11.30am start). A coach will leave Ellesmere Port Sports Village between 8.15am and 8.30am.

Warrington AC are organising an open track and field meeting this Sunday (11am start), and entries close this Saturday for the Les Baldwin Memorial Wrexham Games Open Track and Field Meeting being held on Saturday, August 17. Further details here.

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race being hosted by West Cheshire AC on Sunday, September 15. The online entries link is here.

ERYRI will host the opening round of the Borders Road Running League on October 13, and other dates and hosts clubs include November 10 (Deeside 9.30am); December 1 (Wallasey); January 12 (Abergele); March 15 (Helsby or Wrexham); April 5 (Ellesmere Port); April 22 (Helsby or Wrexham).

WREXHAM will host the first round of the North Wales Cross Country League on October 5, and the other fixtures are at Colwyn Bay (October 19), Dolgellau (November 23), Shrewsbury (January 11), and Oswestry (February 1).

THE British Masters Open Cross Country Championships will be held on March 14 at Rhug estate, Corwen.

WINSFORD will be the venue for the opening round of the North Staffs Cross Country League on September 28, before round two at Stafford on October 26; round three at Park Hall, Stoke on Trent, on November 16; and round four at Rodbaston College on December 14.

WYTHENSHAWE PARK will be the setting for the opening round of the Manchester Area Cross Country League on Saturday, October 12, while round two will be held on Saturday, November 9 at Kenworthy Woods/Manchester University, round three will be held on Saturday, December 7 and round four on Saturday, January 11, at venues to be confirmed, and the final round will be held at Heaton Park on Saturday, February 8.

SHERDLEY PARK, St Helens, will host the first round of the Liverpool and District Cross Country League on Saturday, October 12, before Sefton Park hosts round two on Saturday, November 23, and Beacon Park will be the venue for round three on Saturday, December 7, and the Championships race will be held on Sunday, February 9, at Clarkes Garden.

THE British Cross Challenge Cross Country fixture at Sefton Park, Liverpool, will be held on Saturday, November 23, and the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships will be held at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, on Saturday, March 7. 

Photo courtesy of SJ Photography
Numbers down as summer holidays took their toll, but Andy and Claire galloped round the Gyrn to earn maximum points last Saturday.

THIS WEEKEND
West Cheshire AC will compete in the third round of the Cheshire Track and Field League on Sunday, 4th August, at Trafford Athletic Stadium, Longford Park, Manchester. M21 9TA, (11.45am start). If you are involved in the opening events you should arrive for 11am.

The Cheshire League caters for anyone aged 9 years old and above in every age group (under 11s, under 13s, under 15s, under 17s, and senior and veteran men and women), and it will be great to see a good turn out from club members.

A check-list of items to bring with you should include: Club Vest – Money to buy food and drink – packed lunch – warm clothing – waterproof clothing – spikes and/or running shoes.

HELP NEEDED FOR GUILDEN SUTTON 10k ROAD RACE
Dennis Wall is currently trying to compile a list of helpers needed for the Club to host and organise the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race being held on Sunday 15th September. If you can help please email Dennis at: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS INVITE
Ellie Robinson is urging any members wanting to compete in the North West Counties and Cheshire Road Relays Championships at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, on Sunday, 8th September, and/or the Northern Athletics Autumn Road Relays Championships at SportCity, Manchester, on Sunday, 15th September, to get in touch with her via email. The club will pay the entry fees as in previous years. You must be a first claim claim member. Unfortunately, this year we have a clash on 15th September with the Guilden Sutton 10k Road Race which hopefully a lot of you are already committed to running in or helping at. Details of timings etc for the Autumn Relays are in this link.
Email Ellie at:ellie.henrob3@outlook.com

EPSV TRACKSIDE BUILDING UPDATE
The contractor finished the new trackside facility snagging list on Tuesday. Chartered Building Surveyor, David Trowler, looked at the work off his list on Wednesday morning and will feedback to the Council and give advice if the building is now complete.

The fire risk assessment was completed last week, but there are a couple of actions falling out from this which have been reported to the Brio maintenance team and we are just waiting for a date of completion on these.  

PILOT TRACK & FIELD EVENT ORGANISERS NEEDED
The Club have accepted an invitation from England Athletics Club Support Manager Nick Settle to pilot an open competition with a difference later this summer in a bid to encourage more youngsters to participate in athletics.

Members and/or parents keen to help deliver the Blast Pilot Initiative should contact Dennis Wall ASAP at Club training or by emailing: dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

REGIONAL ENDURANCE WORKSHOP
West Cheshire AC has agreed to host England Athletics Regional Endurance Coaching Workshops this Winter.

The target audience will be Coaches working with athletes who are County standard or higher, and athletes aged 11-18. The duration will be up to three hours to include Q&A/discussion.

An interval training session will be held in December, and a threshold training session will take place in March.

URGENT HELP NEEDED
The Club needs urgent help, support, and assistance from parents during Tuesday evening (6.30pm-8pm) and Saturday morning (10am-12 noon) training sessions at the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track (6.30pm-8pm).

PARENTS who can help should contact Dennis Wall on 07968643038 or email:dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

WHY NOT BECOME AN OFFICIAL?
West Cheshire AC is keen to help any parents of members wanting to become qualified officials. The Club will pay for parents of members wanting to attend an officials course.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

Further details about officiating can be found here.

BECOME ONE OF OUR CLUB COACHES
Any parents of West Cheshire AC members wanting to become qualified coaches will be fully supported by the Club who will pay for coaching courses.

Please email Dennis if you are interested at dennis.wall1@ntlworld.com

Further details about coaching can be found here.
IT’S GOOD TO TALK
Members and parents are reminded to look at the following links for updates about any Club training sessions being cancelled due to adverse weather conditions:

FACEBOOK: West Cheshire AC, West Cheshire AC Road Running, west cheshire ac jnr to u20 middle distance group
WEBSITE: www.westcheshireac.co.uk
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/westcheshireac

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
All parents of youngsters attending track training sessions are reminded to collect their sons and daughters from the track – not from the car park. The Club wants to ensure everyone stays safe and that every youngster safely leaves every track training session. 

CLUB KIT
Anyone wanting to purchase club vests (£17) and/or hoodies (£15) is reminded that parents Vikki Brett and Joanne Lark will sell club kit at the EPSV Track Office AFTER Tuesday night training sessions.

Payment can be made by cash, or by cheque made payable to West Cheshire AC.

INVITATION TO OBTAIN TRACK AND FIELD CERTIFICATE
All Club members are being invited to support our club by completing the Track & Field Online Management Course to help West Cheshire AC look after the Ellesmere Port Sports Village Athletics Track. Further details can be found here.

PHYSIO SUPPORT
Club member Heather McLintock is a qualified physiotherapist and offers substantial discounted prices for West Cheshire AC members on production of their membership card. Heather can be contacted on 01244 381350 or 07885 462487.

WEEKLY PRESS REPORT
This week’s press report can be found here.

FIXTURES
Thursday, August 1: Deestriders Off Road Grand Prix Race, at Shotton.

Saturday, August 3: Teggs Nose Fell Race, at Macclesfield.

Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4: England Athletics Combined Events Championships, at Manchester.

Sunday, August 4: Cheshire Track and Field League Round Four, at Trafford, (11.45am start).

Wednesday, August 7: Pie N Peas 5 Miles Road Race, Winsford.

Wednesday, August 7: Wirral AC Track Endurance 5k Race, at Bebington Oval.

Saturday, August 10: Northern Track and Field League Round Four, at Wakefield.

Wednesday, August 14: Manchester International, at the Manchester Regional Athletics Arena (next to the Etihad Stadium).

Photo courtesy of Bryan Dale

WEST CHESHIRE Athletic Club trio Claire Harris, Tony Woodall and Tom Booth are celebrating medal performances.

Nine men took on the challenge of the Green Green Grass of Home race on a warm Wednesday evening. Tom Booth led the team home in an excellent 3rd place overall, as the only(?) runner in a purple vest to limit himself to running just the race route. League newcomers Danny Paddock and Tony Sangha were among those relieved to finally touch the green green grass of home after an accidental detour of over a kilometre. Easily done in a fell race!

The other six WCAC runners were all league regulars, with Chris, Tony, Richard, Dan, Andy and Mark continuing to fill the top six spots in the overall standings, which are now up at the bottom of the off-road page.

No WCAC women ran – they might have avoided the men’s accidental detour by not being scared to ask for directions? 😉 – so no change in their standings.

Barely time to catch breath before round 7, Oswestry Olympians’ Gyrn Gallop at Rhiwlas this coming Saturday, July 27th.

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER NORTHERN TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entries close this Friday (26th July) for the Northern Track and Field Age Group Championships for Under 13s, Under 15s, and Under 17s being held at Wavertree, Liverpool, on Saturday and Sunday, 17th and 18th August.