Local enthusiasts were enabled to see the great distance runner Gordon Pirie last Saturday competing in the National Cross-Country Championships at Arrowe Park.
On a good course, but in weather more suited to distance runners than to spectators, he led the field to win by about 100 yards. Against the foremost runners in England, Wallasey competitors ran well and, although they were by no means 'near winners,' they held their own particularly in the Youths and Junior events
Youths - 3rd course - Roy Shaw was 1st man home in 73rd place. Pete White, who has improved considerably in the latter end of the season, was 90th, Brian Woolford 117th and Ian McIvor 160th, for a team total of 440 points and 21st place. Brian Hamilton and Alan Nichols finished 241st and 259th.
The Juniors over a 6 mile course again finished close together for 616 points and 25th team place. Roy Parry was 143rd, John Winrow 148th, John Warden 154th and Hugh Pritchard 171st. Colin Harris also finished in 206th place.
Dennis Kelly has recently been ill and was unable to complete the 9½ mile course in the Senior Championship. He dropped out at the start of the last lap when in the lead of the Wallasey runners, so Wallasey was unable to complete a team. Alan Clarke, Jim Rimmer, Ramsey Hewson, Ray Scammell and Ted Bollard ran in the event and finished in. 358th, 382nd, 389th and 402nd places.
This Saturday is a club run and arrangements are now in hand for the International cross-country event at Birmingham. Anyone who would like to see this race on March 27th should contact Mr. R. Hubbard, 44, Tollemache St., Wallasey for details.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 20/03/1954 by JM
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