Kevin Mather won two top class races over the Bank Holiday week-end. On the Saturday, competing at the Glasgow Rangers' sports, he won the invitation 2 miles while, representing the A.A.A., in 9 mins, 11 secs., in very blustery conditions. On the Monday, Kevin won the 880 yards at the Lever Trophy meeting at Port Sunlight, in 1 min. 54 secs. Both these times are personal bests for Kevin.
With a hard winter's training behind him and a lot more distance running, he should be able to improve on these figures and his mile time, and attain world class standards and international honours.
Despite the gallant efforts of the rest of the team at Port Sunlight, Wallasey were most conspicuous by their absence in the majority of events and the turn-out was one of the worst ever experienced. Only two youths turned out where a full team could have won the youths' trophy quite comfortably.
If these runners fail to support the clubs on such occasions they can expect little support in return. Credit must go, however, to Pete Meldrum's second place in the mile in 4 mins. 39.4 secs., and Mike Teahan's worthy run in the 100 yards and 4th place in the long jump.
The senior team was also much depleted. Carl Gee was placed in two events, third in the high jump and second in the discus. Frank Davies was one of the busiest athletes of the day, competing in the javelin, long jump and 100 yards, where he reached the semi-final. Mike Smith narrowly missed reaching the 440 yds. final with a magnificent run of 52.7 secs. - He could become a great quarter prospect. Hugh Pritchard, who competed in the 440 yards and in the 2-mile team, where the club finished a team but were not placed in the first four.
The club championships were held on the previous Saturday, when Carl Gee won the senior championship, Frank Davies the junior, Mal Dunn the youths' and S. Barry the boys' championship. Again there was a poor turn-out, though this did not detract from the enthusiasm of those present.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 18/08/1962 by B.H.C
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