Last Saturday, Ron Barlow took his first Cheshire track title when he won the six mile championship at Port Sunlight Oval.
Conditions were ideal for the race, with a slightly overcast sky and a cooling breeze on the back straight, when the seventeen runners started on their way of 20 laps and 160 yards of the track. Wallasey athletes Barlow, Woolford and Mather were soon up at the front of the field with Billy Morris and Brian Chalton bringing up the rear. The positions remained unchanged for the first mile (4 mins. 58 secs.) and then Phipps of Winnington Park took the lead and immediately the pace slowed down, the two miles being reached in 10 mins. 10 secs., Woolford then went to the front and the pace quickened, the third mile taking 5 mins. 0 secs. The pattern of the race was now set, with Woolford leading, Barlow second. Mather third, Morrell (Wirral) fourth and Morris around 12th but improving every lap.
The first two runners pulled away from the rest of the field and at five miles had a lead of some 20 secs over Mather. Over the last furlong, Ron Barlow showed his superior speed and left Woolford behind, winning in 30 mins. 21 secs. Brian's time was 30 mins 26 secs. Kevin Mather (3rd) recorded 30 mins. 51 secs., and Bill Morris (7th) 31 mins. 38 secs. Brian Chalton, running to finish recorded 35 mins. None of the Wallasey runners have run in a six mile track race before, so all should be congratulated on their excellent times.
On the same afternoon Mike Shepherd competed in the shot-putt and after an excellent series of putts, with all his efforts over 41 ft. 0 ins., he made his best ever throw of 46 ft. 2½ ins to win the competition.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 19/08/1961 by P.W.C.
Ref 1247