In the Parks and gardens athletics competition at Garston on June 17. Wallasey Athletic Club, despite the absence of numbers, fared better than in recent years, obtaining 1 win, 1 second and 3 fourth places.
In the 3-mile race John Wright stayed with the leaders until the final lap when he produced a burst of speed of which no one could match and won in 14 mins. 55 secs. Tony Townsend after being with the leaders for 2 miles finished 6th in 15 mins. 23.4 secs. Ron Barlow was soon in the lead of the 880 yards, but in the last 200 yards Ken Willcock the Lancashire champion, past him. Ron's time was 1 min.s 58.6 secs. In the same event was Kevin Mather running a little below form, who finished 5th.
Club-mates Dave White and Phil Townsend finished equal 9th in the 1-mile with a time of 4 mins. 46 secs. In the youth 1-mile John Howard, running better than in recent weeks, finished 7th in 5 min. 5.8 secs.
The following day at Port Sunlight, several members met with a certain amount of success. Most noticeable performance was Ron Barlow's second place in the 880 yards in 1 min. 57.2 secs. - personal best. In the 3,000 metres steeplechase, Tony Townsend finished 2nd in 10 min. 20.8 secs. and Dave White 3rd in 10 mins. 23.2 secs. Considering that the Lancashire County senior standard for this distance is 10 mins. 20 secs. it was a very creditable performance by Tony and Dave, who were competing in a steeplechase for the first time.
Carl Gee putted the shot with a length of 36-ft. 2-in. only one inch below his best, and came second.
Conditions were far from ideal at Manchester for the Northern Championships, for it rained all morning and though it ceased at 12-30, the track was still very heavy.
In the discus Carl Gee finished 7th with a throw of 110-ft, he also finished 7th in the shot with a putt of 35ft. 6in.
The junior 1-mile heats were hold in torrential rain and Ron Barlow was the only Wallasey runner to quality for the final by coming third in 4-min. 35-secs., but he had to scratch, due to the occurrence of an old foot trouble.
Kevin Mather was unfortunate in being drawn in the fastest heat of the 880 yards; he was fourth in his heat and his time of 1-min. 58.3 secs. would have won either of the other two heats.
Today the Cheshire championships are being held at Winnington Park, and we are hoping for better success than in recent years. Coach leaves Birkenhead Town Hall at 12-noon; all members are requested to be prompt.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 28/06/1958 by P.A.T.
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