Teenager Paul makes good — in Oxfordshire

A CATERHAM sportsman who, wanted to represent Surrey but was never given an opportunity has ended up representing Oxfordshire in the All-England Cross-Country Competition.

Paul McCann (17), of High Trees Court, Caterham, is an all-rounder who wanted to play cricket for Surrey. But did not gain any county recognition until he went to school in Oxfordshire.

There he became captain of cricket, soccer, rugby and basketball, and was named sportsman of the year. Then he ran in a county cross-country competition and was placed in the first four, all of whom qualify for the national event.

One of Paul's biggest problems has been his shyness and modesty. He was asked to play for Caterham but couldn't get to the game on time.

Then he scored for Surrey at their cricket matches but wasn't presumptuous enough to ask for a trial. Even this latest success was kept quiet until he 'phoned his mother, Mrs Muriel .McCann, to ask how she was then casually mentioned the fact that he was running for Oxfordshire in a national event.

One ironic fact is that in the All - England Championship one of the counties Paul will be competing against will be Surrey.

February 26th 1971