Competing in the National standards meeting at Warrington last Saturday, Wallasey's Dave Lockley underlined his promise in the 1,000 metres steeplechase by gaining a Grade I standard with a time of 2 mins. 58.5 secs, and in doing so was only 1 tenth of a sec. off the track record.
This feat was accomplished on a good track, but runners had to suffer a cold cross wind throughout the afternoon and this put paid to any thoughts Robin Tarrant may have had of a good time in the junior 220 yards when he finished 2nd in a slow 25.8 secs.
Barrie Smith and Les Watcham were equally affected in their races and slumped to 4 mins. 52 secs, for the mile and 2 mins. 23.4 for the 880 respectively. Running in the half mile the previous Tuesday, Barrie had recorded 2 mins. 6.3 secs, and Les 2 mins. 14.6 secs, with Johnny Jones returning 2-16 in the same event.
FOEL GLAP RE-VISITED
Last Sunday's return visit to Foel Glap farm (Denbigh) proved to be a worthwhile journey, with all but one runner improving his previous form. Starting on a handicap basis, young Neil Hampson led from gun to tape and clocked 19 mins. 10 secs, over the three-mile course which includes a quarter mile ascent of 'one in five' en route, and was an improvement of 3 mins. 14 secs, for Neil.
Second man home was Robin Tarrant, running this course for the first time and he recorded 17-48 with Carl Gee in third place (20.03), Dave Adair was 4th returning 17-36 as against 18-54 on his previous run and he was closely followed by Barrie Smith 16.05 (16.52). Sixth was Johnny Jones who improved by 12 secs, from 16-20 to 16-08 and 7th was Dave Warrilow 18-31 (18-52), with fastest man of the day, and new course record holder, Dave Lockley close up in 8th place with a great 15-58 (16-11). Mike Hampson did 20-54 for his first run and last man Les Watcham added 1 min. 32 secs, to his 17-35 to finish 10th.
WATKINS AND MORLEY REPRESENT DISTRICT TODAY
Invitations have been received from Liverpool District for four Wallasey A.C. for four athletes to compete in a matrix versus Manchester & District at St. Helens today- The runners concerned are Barrie Smith (1 mile), Alan Keating (1 mile relay), John Watkins (440 relay), and John Morley (1 mile relay). Unfortunately the former two are away on holiday and so it will be left to the two 'Johns', Morley and Watkins to carry Wallasey's colours.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 07/08/1965 by DISCOBOLUS
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