Running in the first inter-club cross-country race of the season, Dave Lockley had no trouble in winning over, a three-mile course in which a field of 29 runners faced conditions as hard as can be expected for the rest of the winter.
The heavy rain had turned parts of the course into a quagmire and a distinct advantage was held by those few runners wearing studded shoes.
From the start, Lockley was immediately in touch with the leading group which included Barrie Smith, Mark Aldridge (who was acting as a running marker), John Jones, all of Wallasey A.C., and Dave Barnes and Brian Hadfield of Wirral A.C.
As the two age groups viz boys and youths, had been started together, it was no surprise when six of the nine older runners taking part were seen to be in the first ten entering the field, but none could hold Dave Lockley who won with 17 mins. 33 secs., a creditable performance under adverse conditions. Barrie Smith was half a second ahead of John Jones in 17:55 and 17:55.5 respectively, with Barnes and Hadfield of Wirral following up in 18:23 and 18:31.
Making his first appearance for the Wallasey Athletic Club since last winter, but in this instance running for the Technical G.S. team, Mike McNamee, wearing good studded shoes, surprised everyone by finishing 6th in 18:40 which was one second better than Mike Teahan with Ray Kay 8th in 19:04. Wallasey G.S. cross-country captain Mike Whiteside showed improved form with 19:24 in 9th place with Dave Adam 10th 19:39, one second ahead of Les Watcham. The rest of the placings were: 12th D. Warrilow (20:16), 13th M. Schless (20-16),14th P. Barry (20:26), 15th I. Wilson (20:56), 16th P. Lewis (21:27), 17th A. Tonge (21:28) 18th M. Thompson (22:28), 19th D. Ellison (22:28), 20th P. Crofts (22:39), 21st M. Potter (23-20), 22nd S. Stubbs (23.20), 23rd S. Carson (24-50), 24th G. Davies (24-50), 25th R. Brimage (24:51).
Wallasey A.C. won the boys'team event from Wigan with Wallasey 'B' 3rd whilst Wirral A.C. won the youths' event from Technical G.S., with Wallasey G.S. in 3rd place with equal points.
Wallasey A.C. are hopeful of entering two teams for the Liverpool & District relay championships which take place next Saturday in Sefton Park. This race demands six runners per team, each man to cover 3¼ miles of road around the park, and it is hoped that Pete Meldrum will now be fit enough to take his place in the 'A' selection, as with John Wright absent there is an important role to be filled.
Now considered to be an integral part of training all the year round, track training has begun at Lingham Park on Monday and Thursday evenings, 7-15 start, and members wishing to benefit from this mode of exercise should be prompt at the track for grouping.
Last week's A.G.M. had an attendance of 41 members and officers elected were President, Mr. C. R. Hewson; Mr. J. N. Wright was added to the list of vice-presidents: chairman, Mr. J. Edwards; Hon. General Secretary, Mr. M. Teahan; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. J. H. Prydderch; club captain, Mr. B. Woolford; club coach, Mr. C. W. Gee; cross-country secretary, Mr. D. Hanna; track secretary, Mr. A. Keating; women's captain and secretary, Miss B. Banks; press officer, Mr. J. Morley, with Dave Adair and Les Watcham as Youth Council representatives.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 02/10/1965 by DISCOBOLUS
Ref 1424