Those who braved the biting wind on Saturday witnessed some grand running, when members of Wallasey Athletic Club held their annual cross-country championships.
Heavy rain in recent weeks made the course exceptionally heavy and it was therefore gratifying to find four boys in the boys' championship completing the course within 42 seconds of each other. The winner was David Woods, who was followed by Ken Tunstall with Roy Fishwick and John Anderson following closely on their heels. The winner finished in 15 mins. 22 sec. and Ken Tunstall deservedly won the sealed handicap prize.
In the youth race, a great battle ensued between Don Anderson and Roy Parry the former eventually winning by a margin of 11 seconds in a time of 18 mins. 46 secs. Hugh Pritchard maintained his recent improvement to finish third in front of newcomer Colin Harris. The sealed handicap prize was won by Roy Parry.
The junior race was the best of the afternoon, when after six gruelling miles Eric Maddock, Bill Johnston and Ken Ledward finished in that order within 20 seconds of each other, the winner's time being 37 mins. 38 secs.
The sealed handicap prize was won by K. Ledward running off the scratch mark.
The seniors faced up to the task of covering a nine miles course and Bob Johnston registered a good win in a time of 53 mins. 47 secs. Second was Alan Clarke who has this season proved himself to be a most capable runner and his success was fully merited. His time only 12 seconds behind Johnston's was one of the most pleasing features of the afternoon.
In third place Eric Foster ran confidently to establish a 40 second advantage over club captain John Edwards.
Today W.A.C. runners Bob Johnston and John McFarland travel to York to represent Cheshire in the inter-counties Championships - good luck to them both.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 19/01/1952
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