A small party of enthusiasts from Wallasey A.C. travelled to Childwall to watch the inter counties championships.
Their keenness in braving the weather was rewarded when they saw the amazing defeat of Gordon Pirie and the astounding second place gained by Ken Gates of Lancs.
Pirie ran in the lead for nearly the whole course but was finally defeated by the hard ground and fell back to the sixth position with about half a mile to go. The individual winner was popular Ken Norris of Middlesex.
Ken Gates of Liverpool Pembroke is by no means unknown to Merseyside cross-country fans, but his second place must have astounded the athletic world for Ken, though he ran well in the local championships last season did not finish at the national championships held at Arrowe Park.
Club members may like to know that Frank Sands finished 75th, Peter Adams 122nd, Steve Rogers lost a shoe after half a mile and dropped out.
This Sunday the club travel by coach to Liverpool & District Championships at Southport. On form they should do quite well but only all members of the teams turn up. There will be a thirty yard stretch of road in the course so spikes may not be advisable. The travelling arrangements are as follows:- Meet at Seacombe Ferry 12:45, Birkenhead Town Hall 12:55 p.m. and Byrom Street, Tunnel Entrance, Liverpool 1:15 p.m.
Anyone interested in joining the club is asked to contact Mr. R. F. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, Wallasey or Mr. R. Woolley, 8 Bradman Road, Moreton.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 22/01/1955 by SPIKE
Ref 1103