Tiffany targets Europe

THE classy Cross Challenge series of events turned up once more at Sefton Park with, for Senior athletes, the added spice of possible selection for the GB team that will compete shortly in the European Championships in the Netherlands.

The eyes of the Liverpool Pembroke and Sefton contingent were very much on the Under 20 Women’s race over 4.4K as Tiffany Penfold (pictured) was deemed an outside chance of springing a surprise or two.

This was more than a promise as she confidently took the lead from some of the country’s most talented athletes, attracted to Liverpool for the selection business.

At the end of the first lap she was still running strongly but some of the perhaps more experienced women were closing her down.

Battling every potential over-taker she nevertheless had to concede ground and finished a highly creditable sixth but only just over half a minute adrift of the leader.

This performance was immediately noted by the more knowledgeable in the athletics community.

Given it was the trial, Tiffany’s fate now lies in the hands of the selectors.

Nevertheless, as the first Northerner home she has made her point.

The Cumbrian girl now in her second year at Edge Hill University has grown in confidence since joining the LPS vibrant endurance squad.

Also at Sefton Park Kirsty Longley, fresh from leading home a victorious England team in the recent Masters International, showed her usual drive and passion in finishing 40th in the highly competitive Senior Women’s race over 8.1K.

Not far away in 50th spot was Rosie Johnson, demonstrating a return to the exciting form she showed a year or two ago.