Over a snowbound course at Port Sunlight, Wallasey A.C. enjoyed a closely contested match with the Port Sunlight club. Lack of numbers on both side, due to the weather, robbed the fixture of much of much of its interest, but to those hardier members who braved the elements the event was thoroughly enjoyable.
Wallasey could muster only two boys and two youths so a combined race was held over three miles and the honours for the event were divided between the two clubs. Port Sunlight provided the individual winner in J. Clinch with a time of 15 minutes 33 seconds. This was a good performance by a boy who was competing against lads two years his senior.
The next three runners were all from Wallasey, Bill Morris being second in 16 minutes 5 secs., John Young third 16 minutes 6 secs. and Alan Howard fourth 16 minutes 8 secs. Last to count for Wallasey was Billy Gregory, who finished 7th. He was able to gain two places in the last half-mile thus making victory for the team certain. Wallasey scored 16 points to Port Sunlight's 20.
Limited numbers again made it necessary for a combined senior and junior race to be held and with each side only fielding six runners it was agreed that all should count towards the team score. Port Sunlight again provided the individual winner in D. Biddle, whose time of 29 minutes 32 seconds for the 5½ miles was quite good for the conditions.
First home for Wallasey was Dave White in third place, time 30 minutes 8 seconds, with Phil Townsend fourth 30 minutes 55 seconds. Peter White was sixth 31 minutes 18 seconds, very much improved upon his race in the Cheshire Championships the previous week. R. Johnson and Brian Chalton finished together in 31 minutes 30 seconds to share 7th and 8th places and Dave Noble was 13th. Port Sunlight took the team race by 38 pts. to 40.
Today in London, the Inter-Counties is to be held. The best from each county are in competition, and we extend to our two club members competing John Wright and Ron Barlow, our best wishes for a successful days racing.
At club headquarters, a club training run is to be held commencing at 3 p.m. Bob McCaig will be available to coach and any boys and youths who care to ask his advice will be sure of a personal interest in their training.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 17/01/1959 by R.J.
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