Owing to bad weather conditions last Saturday, Wallasey Athletic Club's New Year Handicap was again postponed. In addition to the difficulty of racing into the gale, it was not certain which parts of the course were flooded and these two factors especially seemed a dangerous combination, especially when it is remembered that in a handicap the weaker and less experienced runners are those who have to lead the way.
Instead the 19 runners took the 6½ mile course over the marshes and by Moreton Cross, Edwards and Westmore, the Varsity "crack", gave the others a few minutes start but the Varsity runner did not like prevailing weather and only stayed with Edwards to Bidston foot-bridge.
The Youth's team left the main pack at Hoylake Road and proceeded back home via Reed's Lane and Leasowe Road, Pritchard being first and R. Yeoman, sub-captain, 2nd. The Seniors and Juniors set a good pace going towards Moreton, Hopkins and Broster being prominent.
Coming down Leasowe Road on the return journey, the wind fairly bowled the runners along. Broster retained his first position throughout, W. R. Richardson (captain) was 2nd and P. Watson 3rd, the first Junior to finish. Fourth was A. Hopkins, another on University first team man.
F. K. Ledward had a tussle, with some barbed wire, the wire unfortunately coming of best, but this did not prevent him sprinting hard over the last 200 yards against Edwards. Whittingham, spell-bound by the sight of so much water, inadvertently plunged into the River Birket, but calmly scrambled ashore. This episode is reminiscent of the unnamed distinguished Wallasey runner who always persisted in going for a swim no matter the weather. And the higher the tide the better!
To-day, Wallasey Athletic Club run against North Liverpool Gymnasium Harriers at Aintree, meet Exchange Station 2-30 p.m.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 22/01/1938
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