Only a cruel stroke of luck robbed Wallasey's international long jumper Len Platt, of a chance of victory against the famous Russian team at White City, Manchester on Saturday.
Len, who retired temporarily last July, had the misfortune to aggravate an ankle injury in his first jump, and though he bravely carried on, he could not produce anything like the form which he showed at the Wallasey Gala when he jumped 23ft. 8ins.
With his first jump he did 22ft 4ins., a distance which up to the Russian's last jump was only 2ins. behind, However, Volkov made a last all-out effort and leapt 23ft. 0½ins. to put him well ahead.
Plenty of training this winter and next season should put Len right back amongst the top British long jumpers.
Some of the club's members who were present at the meeting we're very impressed by all they saw, particularly the chance to see stars such as Pirie, Savidge, Elliott and Disley, and also the sportsmanship shown by both sides.
I think that when Pirie 'swopped' his famous hat for a similar one from his defeated rival Anoufriev the seal was set on one of the most sporting meetings ever held in the country.
This week the Wallasey Club has its first League match of the season, when seniors and juniors meet Liverpool Harriers and Boundary Harriers at Liverpool H.Q. at Woolton Woods with a good turn-out the club has a fair chance of success and with any luck at all should gain at least second place. Last year the club was bottom of the League due to bad turn outs on the club's part. It is hoped that this year the club will at least produce a team when they visit other clubs.
Travelling arrangements are as follows :- Juniors and seniors met at Liverpool Pier Head, (Bookstall) at 2:00 p.m. or travel independently to Woolton on a Corporation bus no. 4 or no. 5 from Victoria Monument.
For boys and youths who are not going to the match there will be a training run from club H.Q. Leasowe Road at 2:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in athletics, particularly cross-country, is cordially invited to come to the club on any Saturday, or to contact either Mr. R. Woolley, 8 Bradman Road, Moreton or Mr. R. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, Wallasey.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 23/10/1954 by SPIKE
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