Wallasey Athletic Club held the 8th annual Wallasey schoolboys and youths championships from their H.Q. at Leasowe on Saturday and as the course of marshland and field was in poor shape the runners must be congratulated on the good humour they showed in spite of continual duckings in the many muddy pools.
The schoolboys race, over two miles, had a field of over 200 runners and was started by Mr. H. R. B. Wood, Director of Education.
Moreton Secondary Modern School soon showed their superiority when after one mile they had three runners in the first four. Poyning of Wallasey Grammar School, in third position, made two or three unsuccessful attempts to take the lead from Jamieson and White of Moreton, White managed to gain first place on the run in.
The result was first R. White, Moreton Secondary, Modern, 12 mins. 25 secs; 2nd, F. Jamieson, also of Moreton, 12 mins. 27 secs; 3rd K. Poyning of Wallasey Grammar School, 12 mins. 31 secs.
The team result was:- 1, Moreton Secondary Modern. 2, Gorsedale Secondary Modern. 3, New Brighton Secondary Modern.
The youths' race of 2½ miles proved even more thrilling when, Ron Barlow, Roy Shaw and Bill Farrell opened up a gap of 50 yds on the rest of the 24 runners and after one mile Roy Shaw lead by a stride from Ron and Bill Farrell flagging slightly some 10 yards behind, Ron Barlow took the lead with some 50 yards to go and Roy leaving his sprint rather late finished just one second behind.
The result was:- 1, R. Barlow. 13 mins. 51 secs.; 2. R. Shaw 13 mins. 52 secs; 3, W. Farrell 14 mins. 11 secs.
The next three places were taken by Ian Mclvor, Brian Woolford, and Brian Hamilton respectively, three youths who should be making their presence felt in the club youths' team this year.
It is of interest to note that the first six runners in this race are all members of the W.A.C., a fact which seems to show the importance of participating in regular club runs and races.
The club wish to thank the Mayor (Ald. W. Hardy) for so kindly giving up his valuable time to present the prizes. Thanks are also extended to Miss. Shaw, Mrs. Bollard, Mrs. White, Jean Massey and all the others who did so much to make the meeting a success in spite of the adverse conditions.
Today the club send a team to represent Wallasey in the 6¾ mile Waterloo Road Race. The team meet at Exchange Station, Bookstall at 2 p.m. Boys and youths not travelling as spectators are to have a training run from the club H.Q. at 3 p.m.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 13/11/1954 by SPIKE
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