Wallasey Athletic Club travelled to Preston last Saturday to take part in a cross-country relay organised by Preston Harriers on a very good two-mile, all-country course near their headquarters.
Wallasey's first, runner off was Ron Barlow who, in spite of 'flu, ran a stormer and handed over to Phil Townsend with a lead of 16 secs. Ron's 9 mins. 35 secs. turned out to be the fastest time of the day. On Phil's lap, several local clubs had their strongest men out and we dropped to fourth position, the place in which we finally finished.
Phil's time of 10.34 was improved on by Dave White (10.25) and Brian Woolford (10.10), but try as we could the gap would not close. Pete White returned 10.01 but the club were still fourth as the club's star, John Wright, tore off on the final lap. John did second fastest time (9.37) but in spite of the club's having the two fastest runners in the race Manchester and District, Blackpool and Macclesfield soundly beat us. The only comforting factor was that we trounced the strongest local club, Pembroke which had finished third in the Northern Cross-Country Championships.
At Blackpool, this afternoon the Club run in a 6 x 4½-mile road relay, which Blackpool Corporation are sponsoring. Travel arrangements are being handled by Bob McCaig. A big 'Thank you' must go to Bob for his unselfish efforts in making sure that we all get to these meetings on time, and in taking two car loads to Arrowe Park every Sunday to make sure all club members had a good run round the park.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 02/04/1960 by SPIKE
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