Running in his first Christmas handicap race, young Melvin Schless off a 4 mins. 55 secs. handicap, ran a well-judged race to win Wallasey Athletic Club's annual event in 19 mins. 31 secs.
This proved to be the 9th fastest time of the day. Second man home; and creating something of a surprise, was John Warrilow who turned in an excellent 19:27. He was closely followed by Dave Lockley, who had the second fastest actual time of 17:41, which was a personal best for the 3¼ mile lap.
Ken Roscoe ran the 4th fastest time, 18:24, and also filled 4th position in the field. Club captain Brian Woolford confirmed his recent return to complete fitness by returning the best time of the day, 17:09, which gave him 5th place, just one ahead of Dave Adair, 6th in 19:47.
Newcomer David Jackson showed good form in 7th place with 19:09 and this was three seconds faster than Mike Teahan, who started with him.
At this point the first eight runners had passed the finishing line in 19 seconds, a triumph for the handicappers, and Paul Barrie, 9th despite a fall in Telegraph Lane, pipped Watcham by one second, with Doug Hanna a further 5 seconds behind.
Only 2 secs later was Barrie Smith, whose 18:02 was the 3rd fastest time of the day, and he led home Mike Whiteside with Pete Lewis and Carl Gee close at hand.
Len Durkin was 16th with 19:54 then Robert Brimage, the first of the junior boys, crossed the line at 21:25. He was only one second ahead of Paul Holdsworth, with Ian Wilson another second behind in 21:02.
Peter Banks returned 24 mins. to take 20th place, with Derek Roberts 14 secs. to the rear, then tail-enders John Young (20:44), Barbara Banks (25:59) and Robin Tarrant (22:27) completed the 24 runners.
Congratulations must go to all the runners in most inclement weather, and sincere thanks to the officials who got a soaking for their efforts with stop watch and pen.
Wallasey have full teams in all age groups in the 'Cheshire' to be held at Stockport on January 1, and have reason to entertain high hopes of success in both boys' age group with an outside chance in the senior division.
Certainly individual honours will come, Wallasey's way in the senior event with Ron Barlow now recovered from a leg injury and Brian Woolford will go close to him.
With John Wright and Barrie Smith both running well, it is hoped that the 5th and 6th counters will come up to scratch on the day.
Dave Lockley should have little trouble in the boys' event, and barring accidents, should lead the club to a team win.
All members are reminded that there is a club run on Monday next at 11 a.m. and new members be made welcome. Here is their chance to run off some of that Christmas fare and put themselves back in circulation before the New Year.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 25/12/1965 by DISCOBOLUS
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