In the Ham Finney Trophy race promoted by Pembroke C. & A.C. at Kirkby last Saturday, Wallasey's leading runners were debarred from competing by virtue of having won the race two years ago, but such is the improvement in the overall standard within the club that we were able to field a team which eventually finished in fourth place of the 11th teams competing.
The race was won by R. Meadows of Sutton Harriers, Brian Woolford ran a very well judged effort to finish in third place. He was never lower than 5th, and at one time was running close to Meadows in 2nd place. It was only a very determined effort by a Liverpool Harrier over the last quarter mile that beat Brian into 3rd place by less than two yards.
Kevin Mather ran much below form and eventually finished in 25th place, closely followed by Brian Chalton and Billy Morris at 26th and 27th. The two latter runners continued to maintain the improvement shown in recent weeks, and John Young in 39th place also improved considerably on recent performances.
Bob Fullerton made a welcome return to competition, and although lacking racing fitness, finished in 77th place, followed by Ian Hunter 78th, the team count being completed by John James, 84th place.
Wallasey's total of 359 points lagged a long way behind Liverpool Harriers winning 70 points, Sutton Harriers were 2nd with 177 points, and Preston A.C. , 3rd with 220 points.
This afternoon a club run will be held from club headquarters, and on Sunday morning the usual training run will be held at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead.
The report of the recent R.A.F. Akrotiri Road Relay held in Cyprus showed that Tony Townsend, a member of the club, has maintained his training to good effect. Tony established a course record of 12 minutes 37 seconds for the 2½ mile leg, and it is obvious that when he returns next summer he will add further strength to Wallasey's team.
Next Saturday the Wallasey Athletic Club will stage the time honoured Christmas handicap, in which every competitor receives a prize, a special race will be held for youths and boys, and an excellent turn-out is anticipated.
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 12/12/1959
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