J. Edwards, Wallasey A. C. champion, gave one of the best performances of his career when running in the New Year Handicap last Saturday, he broke the 6½ mile course record.
He covered the distance in 39 minutes thus beating by 60 secs. the time he himself set up in the same race last year. This achievement was all the more remarkable as the conditions were not particularly suitable for record breaking. The going was difficult after the heavy rain of the past few days and the runners were also hampered by a strong wind. Edwards, however, after his lapse of the proceeding week in the West Lancashire Championships, was on the top of his form. He started off scratch in the race accompanied by K. Westmore, the University captain. The latter went ahead of his club-mate for the first two miles. Over the Bidston Marshes, Edwards drew close and on the next stretch of road he passed Westmore, who was not finding the conditions to his liking. Westmore tried hard to hold the Wallasey champion, but Edwards running splendidly kept in the lead and after overhauling several other runners he finished in excellent style 30 secs. ahead of Westmore, who returned the second fastest time of the day.
Edwards was not the only runner to put up a good performance. Despite his fine running he could not overtake several of his colleagues, who made full use of the start they were given in the handicap. The form displayed by Andrews and Fishwick was particularly gratifying. Both ran surprisingly well to finish first and second respectively in the race. Andrews was allowing Fishwick 15 secs. and he failed to make up the leeway being a few yards behind at the end. However, they both have every reason to be proud of the times they returned. Fishwick is a tall strongly-built runner at his best on a heavy course. Andrews, altogether more lightly built moves with a delightful, effortless action more suited to track or road work. Both should be in championship class in a few years.
Another good performance was put up by P. Watson, who made a welcome return to form, finishing third in the race and returning fifth fastest time. W. Richardson, the Wallasey captain, also ran well. . Starting five minutes behind Kelly, the limit man, he was up with the leaders by Leasowe Road. However, troubled by a leg injury he was compelled to slow down to almost walking pace, and could finish no further up than tenth. In the circumstances his time of 42 minutes 35 seconds, the fourth fastest, was very creditable.
Results - 1, Fishwick, actual time, 43 min. 15 sec. (handicap 5.45) 2, Andrews, 43.5 (53.5); 3, Watson, 42.45 (5.0) ; 4. Peers, 43.47 (5.45) ; 5, Pritchard, 43.55 (5.45) ; 6, Grisedale, 41.16 (3.0). 7, Broster, 42.55 (4.15); 8, Pearce, 45.42 (6.45); 9, Edwards, 39.0 (scratch); 10, W. Richardson, 42.35 (5.0).
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 19/02/1938
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