Wallasey A.C. continued their unbeaten run in league matches when, last Saturday, they defeated strong teams from Southport and Sutton, in a triangular meeting at Leasowe.
The weather was very cold and the marshes very wet, when club president Mr. Brookes sent the thirty or so seniors and juniors of on the two-lap course. After about one mile had been covered Wallasey's 'terrible twins' John Wright and Pete White led the field by some 30 yards, with Wright of Southport third and junior star, Barlow of Wallasey, 4th. The pace set by the leaders was hot and with some 1½ miles of the 5½ mile course still to go, Southport's Wright was burnt off leaving Wallasey's trio in an impregnable position. White and Wright, then sure that a win for the local club was 'in the bag', slowed down and were passed by Barlow, putting in a do or die effort for individual honours. Barlow's time was 31-40 (a new best time for the course) and Wright and White were equal. 2nd in 31-44. In fifth place was Tony Townsend - a welcome return to form - 8th Davie White - who just beat marathon runner McMinnis in a close finish. Bob Johnston, 15th, completed the scoring runners, but they were closely followed by 19th Phil Townsend, 22nd Vince Bayliss, 23rd Jackie Daniels and 25th Jim Johnston. The club scored 34 points to Sutton's 53 and Southport's 117.
Youths and boys ran a three-mile individual race in which Billy Morris was placed 3rd and Brian Chalton 4th. if only we had some more youths to back these lads up!
To-day. the club journey to Waterloo for the 6¾ mile road race, a record field of 300 has been entered, but with three to count it is obvious that Wallasey must be in with a chance, the team should meet at Exchange Station at 2 p.m.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 09/11/1957 by SPIKE
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