After travelling through a snowstorm last Saturday, Wallasey Athletic Club arrived at Winnington Park to find the ground almost entirely clear of snow.
The cold wind obviously affected the runners and many were chilled when they had finished despite their vigorous exercise. However, some fine racing was produced and the senior race proved to be the most exciting. Wallasey were fielding quite a strong team and were thought to have a chance of winning the team race. The race was over a seven miles course and the selection of the first ten runners home to represent Cheshire at the Inter-Counties race at Hampstead Heath on January 17 proved an additional spur.
From a good start, Wallasey's John Wright and M. Corcoran of Macclesfield went into the lead, and their they remained for four laps. It was only in the final mile that Corcoran was able to open a gap and he then went on to win by 25 yards. John Wright had been affected by a stitch, probably due to the cold, but in spite of this he appeared, for most of the race, to have the measure of Corcoran.
Ron Barlow also made the Cheshire team by finishing 9th , Ron had been upset by his previous week's poor showing in the Liverpool & District and was out to show he could do much better. The confidence gained from this race should prove useful to him on January 17.
In finishing 16th, Tony Townsend ran another well-judged race. Being in the middle of the field halfway round the first lap, Tony made up the places and the ground right to the finish.
Strongly supporting these three and packing well together were Wallasey's other team counters, Dave White finished 31st, Phil Townsend 33rd, and David Standfast 39th for a team score of 130 points. Team winners were Macclesfield Harriers with 89 points, second Wirral A.C. 97 points and third Sale Harriers 126 points, Wallasey were just beaten for third place by 4 points.
In the youth race Bill Morris and John Young, both representing Wallasey Grammar School finished 6th and 11th respectively, the school team being placed fourth. Billy is to be congratulated on his finely judged run.
Alan Howard finished 10th in the boys' race whilst his close rival, J. Clinch of Port Sunlight A.C. was this time well ahead in 3rd place. He will have his opportunity to do better this afternoon when the club travel to Port Sunlight for an inter-club fixture. Members are asked to meet at Park Station at 2:15 p.m. or take a 51 or 52 bus to the Oval, Port Sunlight.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 10/01/1959 by R.J.
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