At Stanley Park, Blackpool today, Wallasey athletes will be competing In the West Lancashire Cross-Country Championships. Teams have been entered in both the senior and boys' events, and individuals in the youths and junior races.
Once again supporters are looking to the seniors to supply the greatest success and the team should certainly take one of the first three places. Barrow A.C. are favourites for the title but will be weakened by the absence of their most noted runner, Peter Hall, who is running in an international race on the Continent on Sunday. Neighbours and Liverpool & District champions Wirral A.C. will also be below strength, as Cheshire champion Martin Cranny and Terry Harper are not available. Wallasey, however, will be fielding their full team for the first time since the Cheshire championship, so if all members run to form then the team title could come to Wallasey.
WALLASEY RUNNERS
Individual honours should go to Mike Turner, of Liverpool Harriers, who won the recent inter-counties race. The much-improved Sefton Harrier, Brendan Deary, can be counted on to go with Turner all the way. Of the Wallasey members, Brian Woolford after his fine run in the District championship must have the best chance, but the unpredictable Ron Barlow, now recovered from his ankle injury, cannot be counted out of the reckoning. John Wright, fully fit again, will also be expected to be up with the leaders. Completing the senior contingent will be Roy Parry, Brian Chalton, Kevin Mather, John Young and David Field.
Only one member has been entered in the youths' race, Brian Thackray. Whilst he lacks the support of a team he can be sure of plenty of vocal support from the remainder of the club members present.
In the boys' race Wallasey are hoping that at last the team will "hit it off" and gain a place. Alan Bell, who is running really well at the moment, should be right up with the leaders and hopes are that David Burns and Robin Tarrant will not be too far behind him. Completing the Wallasey team will be Des Robinson, Les Watcham, Eddie Oldham, David Adair and Mike Wood. A keen tussle is again expected in the race for individual honours between David Brennan of Warrington, Tim Overington of Wirral and Keith Burrell of Liverpool Harriers.
The first race will be for boys, commencing at 2.15 p.m. A coach has been arranged to take competitors and supporters and will leave at 11.30 a.m. from the Electricity Showrooms, Liscard, and at 11.45 a.m. from the traffic lights at the Hamilton Square end of Cleveland Street, Birkenhead. People are requested to be at these points promptly.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Tuesday, 04/02/1964 by STEPTOE
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