In the Northern Cross-Country Association Championships at Port Sunlight Oval on Saturday last Bob Johnston of Wallasey, was the first Liverpool & District man in the nine-mile senior race over six laps, and an indication of the quality of this field is given by the fact that Wirral international J. F. Green finished in the thirties.
There were 200 of the finest athletes in the country competing. Wallasey's team was placed 17th out of 31 in this event, the placings being as follows :- 18th, R. Johnston; 86th, J. McFarland; 119th, J. Evans; 149th, A. Clarke; 156th, J. Edwards; 159th E. Foster.
In the junior race Lynch of Wallasey maintained his form and again led home the team which finished in 15th place, the placings being:- 5th, J. Lynch; 80th, W.J. Johnston; 84th, E. Maddock; and 103rd, J. Winrow. The race was won by Johnny Wilde of East Cheshire Harriers.
In the youth race over 8 miles, Roy Parry ran a very good last mile to force his way through to 26th place and with more experience of pace judgement should improve considerably., H. Pritchard 110th, C. Harris 133rd and D. Wilkinson 148th, completed the team.
In the boys race a fast start left the Wallasey boys behind but five members finished fairly well up in a field of nearly 200 runners. E. Rice, deputising for Mills at short notice felt the lack of training and had to retire with a pulled muscle. Dave Woods, 24th ran a superb last quarter of a mile during which he gained many places, whilst Tunstall confirmed his good form this season to finish 42nd. These two were supported by Fishwick 107th and J. Williams 118th and Ron Jones. The team was placed 14th out of 30.
This Saturday, Wallasey entertain Wirral Athletic Club and H.M.S. Conway. All members are asked to attend for a 3:15 p.m. start.
A few seats are still available on the coach to Birmingham for the English championships on Saturday next. Immediate application should be made to Ron Hubbard, telephone Birkenhead 3550, from whom full details are available.
Wallasey's junior team will be competing as also will Bob Johnston in the senior race and Roy Parry and Hugh Pritchard in the youth race. Your support therefore will be especially welcome.
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 01/03/1952
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