THE blustery Blackpool conditions meant there were no fast times for St Helens Sutton A.C. members competing in the Northern Counties Road Relays.

The first leg for the ladies was taken by the club's current in-form lady, Julia Eccleston, who ran 18 min.7 secs to finish in 33rd place. Chris Dickenson ran her hardest but her time of 20 min.50 secs saw the club slip back to 42nd.

Louise Casey's battling run saw her move up seven places as she recorded 19 min.38 secs.

With Lynn Webb having to withdraw through injury, the club was fortunate to have holiday-making Pauline Picton available to take the last leg in which she only lost one place as she recorded 23 min.3 secs for the team to finish five places higher than last year and third Merseyside club.

The men started two teams in their event.

First leg for the A team being taken by Steve Mayers who took advantage of the strong opposition to run the club's fastest time of the day of 21 min.51 secs. for 37th place.

Ray Vose took on the responsibility of opening for the B team and would be pleased with his run of 25 min.20 secs to finish in 64th spot.

The second leg saw Greg Williams moving the team up two places as he ran 22 min.43 secs and in the B team Barry Cunliffe continued his comeback by moving the team up five places as he ran 24 min.22 secs.

On the third leg, captain Ian Hayburn found the competition strong as he dropped back to 40th with his run of 23 min.57 secs, while for the B team, Ian Crompton's run of 24 min.24 secs gained another two places.

Andy O'Connor then held the A team's position as he ran 24 min.31 secs and Adrian Webb moved the B up two more places with his 25 min.24 secs.

The last two legs saw the A team move up one place as Ian White ran 23 min.39 secs and then another four as Barry Graney ran 23 min.28 secs for the team to finish 35th overall and third Merseyside team.

For the B team, Ian Pass brought the team to its highest position of 52nd with his run of 27 min.15 secs but the late withdrawal of Andy Boyack meant that this was the end of their effort.