The beginning of January heralds the most important part of the cross-country season for runners all over the country, for within the next two months the major championships take
place, starting with County championships today at Winnington Park.
Last year Wallasey A.C. won the Cheshire title by a large margin from Wirral A. C. and although the probable team this time is at least as strong, on paper anyway, it is more difficult
to visualise an easy victory for Wallasey. This statement should not he construed as pessimistic, however, as the quality of the clubs runners in undeniable and would put many clubs with a much larger membership to shame. Unfortunately, in opposition to popular belief, quality is no substitute for quantity, and without a strong supporting group of runners no team can be certain of victory.
By combining junior and senior runners into one team the club can produce only eight active athletes who train seriously, that is five or more times in a week. Only one member needs to be ill or injured and the team might just as well not compete in the race.
Wirral A.C. on the other hand, do not have the same high standard as our runners. Their best three - Bennett, McAllister and Biddle are no match for John Wright, Ron Barlow and Brian Woolford or Kevin Mather but they have a strong tail-end of athletes of about the same ability as each other and consequently have no trouble in finishing a team.
Several of Wallasey's men are doubtfuls, John Wright has been unwell for some time although there is no doubt that he will be in the first three. Woolford, Mather, Townsend and Young are all sound, but Barlow is unpredictable because of recurring foot trouble and Morris has trained little in the past three weeks as he has strained the tendons in a leg. Although the picture is rather gloomy, Wallasey can still win all the same!
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 06/01/1962 by P.W.C.
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