R. Johnston, a first season runner, won the Novice Cross-Country Championship of Wallasey Athletic Club, an event confined to members of the club who have never won a prize, over a five miles coarse at Leasowe last Saturday.
D. Dickinson was second after leading for half the distance, and W. Gee, who joined the club during the summer track season, third.
From a slow start Dickinson gained a 25 yards lead, over the heavy country adjoining Leasowe Road, and at half distance the order was: Dickinson, Johnston and J. Rice. Shortly after Johnston made a breakaway, gained a commanding lead on the Leasowe embankment, and his first place thereafter was never threatened. Gee and R. F. Hubbard moved up fast but Dickinson held on to second position, Gee and Hubbard having a grand tussle for third place, Gee finally pulling away on the half mile road finish. There were fifteen starters and Mr. C. Humphrey officiated as starter with Mr. R. G. Hyde as timekeeper. All the runners finished the course.
G. A. Walker, last year's winner, presented Johnston with the Wright Challenge Cup and replica, the place men receiving silver medals.
Wallasey Athletic Club have entered two teams in the West Lancashire Novice Championship to be held at St. Helens next Saturday (7/12/46).
Result:-
Wallasey A.C. Novice Championship.
1 R. Johnston 33:59
2 D. Dickinson 35:06
3 W. Gee 35:14
4 R.F. Hubbard 35:20
5 W. Wright 35:59
6 C. Hewson 36:16
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 30/11/1946
Ref 1652