W. Rogers, of St. George's Youth Club,- an ex-grammar School boy and a junior member of the Wallasey News editorial staff won Wallasey Athletic Club's 3½ mile youth championship at Leasowe on Saturday in the fine time of 17 mins. 16 secs. he led from the start and finished 30 yards ahead of W. Halewood (St. George's) with J. Hale (also of St. George's) third.
The schoolboy's team race over 2¼ miles was won by Moreton Secondary Modern School 'A' team. Individual, winner was E. Weir (St. George's Road School) in 13 mins. 18 secs.
Both races were started by the Director of Education (Mr. H. R. B. Wood), the Mayor (Alderman J. L. Gill) presenting the awards. Also present were Mr. T. Amos (Youth Officer) and Mr. C. W. Clare (Physical Education Officer). The schoolboys' (under 15) championship attracted over 100 starters representing, eight schools and three Scout troops. From the start the pace was fast and the leading positions were constantly changing. At half-distance, Moreton's 'A' team had gained a decisive lead with 1, 2, 4 and 6th positions. Although the leading pair fell away a little afterwards, Moreton won a magnificent race by a very clear margin.
Moreton's team was G. Poyning, who ran a very fine race, 2nd, H. Green 4th, and twin brothers F. and N. Ellis 5th and 6th respectively, a remarkable performance in a field of over 100 runners.
Manor Road School were unfortunate in that two of their best runners were well below form, but it is doubtful whether they would have prevented Moreton's easy win. They finished 2nd, eight points in front of New Brighton. Individual winner E. Weir, a very promising athlete, came from 'nowhere' at half-way to win a well-judged race by two yards in a thrilling finish.
Results: - Youth's (15-18), 3¼ miles: 1st, W. Rogers, 17-15; 2nd, W. Halewood, 17-20; 3rd, J. Hale, 17-24.
Schoolboys' (under 15), 2¼ miles: 1st, E. Weir (St. George's School), 13-18; 2nd, G. Poyning (Moreton), 13-19; 3rd, A. R. Cooper (Gorsdale) 13-45.
Teams: 1st, Moreton 'A' team, 17 pts.; 2nd, Manor Road 'C' 46 pts.; 3rd, New Brighton 54 pts.
The organisation was handled by Wallasey Athletic Club, who are indebted to Mr. Abbott, of Olive Farm, for permission to run over part of his land.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 27/03/1948
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