Competition for Northern athletes who are not of national class is generally fairly poor but this complaint cannot be made by Merseyside runners who can rely on meetings practically every weekend, which, when coupled with club fixtures, often mean that athletes have too many commitments rather than too few.
For these reasons Wallasey's turnout for these local handicap meetings has been exceedingly disappointing. On many occasions only a few staunch supporters have entered, and as many of these are field events and some of the meetings do not cater for field events, Wallasey entries have dwindled to two or three.
This unwillingness to enter these meetings cannot spring from a fear of being hopelessly out of ones class, as the handicapping system often allows men who would finish behind in scratch races to gain prices in handicap races. Training facilities at the club are good and it is always possible to obtain advice on training schedules from members who, if not qualified coaches, have had plenty of experience and are willing to pass on any tips they have learnt in many years of running. One of the club's milers has cut half a minute off his time since April 1954 through seeking advice from club members and many young members have shown equal improvement.
Many people believe that tracks used for handicap meetings are of inferior quality and that tactics used in the races are not quite fair. I would like to say that in my experience the tracks are as good as the best in Wallasey and that I have yet to see an unsportsmanlike incident. So come on Wallasey, let us see far more red vests amongst the overwhelming colours of the Liverpool clubs! We have the talent we only need to make use of it.
This Saturday, a party of local runners are travelling to Widnes for the police sports, to be held there. Members are confident that they will not disgrace the club and I fell have a good chance of success for they have decided not to save themselves for the Chester Autumn Sports on August Monday.
On Wednesday the club travel to Southport for the match against Southport Harriers and the competition here will be very keen as we were only narrowly defeated last time we met. Anyone who turns up will be assured of a race. 880 men will have an opportunity of a race against Ernie Gallagher, the Northern champion. This will be the last chance of a sharpening run before the club championships which commence on Saturday, August 6. Intending competitors should meet at Liverpool Exchange Station at 6 p.m. (The return train fare is 2s. 8d.).
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact either Mr. R. F. Hubbard. 44 Tollemache Street, New Brighton. Mr. C. W. Gee, 78 King Street. Egremont. or Miss J. Massey. 200 Seaview Road, Liscard.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 30/07/1955 by SPIKE
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