Last Saturday, at West Derby, Wallasey A.C. were matched against a strong Sefton combination, which encounter, despite fine individual efforts by Wallasey's best, resulted in an easy win for Sefton.
The six miles course included several gruelling stretches of plough which severely tested the stamina and proved an effective curb on the leaders, who were placing an ever widening gap between themselves and the rest of the pack.
Until the half way stage honours were fairly even, W. R. Richardson, F. K. Ledward and G. M. Band, of Wallasey easily holding their own with a speedy Sefton trio consisting of H. Pimblett, Mount and F. Rogers, but hereabouts; M. Band began to lose ground and odds swung in favour of a Sefton victory.
Fast running over the final mile set up the five leaders, and in a close finale R. Mount, of Sefton, led the Wallasey captain, W. R. Richardson, by five yards. F. K. Ledward ran strongly and took fifth place.
H. Jones still continues to improve and achieved a fine performance in finishing 10th, taking third place for his club.
The final placings for Wallasey were W. R. Richardson, 2nd; F. K. Ledward 5th; H. Jones, 10th; G. M. Band, 11th, J. Edwards, 14th; F. G. Ambrose.
It was gratifying to note Wallasey's increased numbers. Past events usually brought two or three runners, this year they mustered eleven.
It has always been a puzzle to me that the borough's youth do not support their club. It is amazing that out of a population of some 100,000 the athletic clubs only turn out about twenty runners in a home event.
I recently discussed this vexing question with Mr. W. S. Brookes, 95 Gr?? road, who was one of the club's members some 30 odd years ago. He expresses the opinion that the number of potential champion athletes amongst youth is probably greater than that of any other Merseyside district.
I can only conclude that the wonderful facilities which the club has are to be enjoyed only by the few, who have experienced the wonderful sense of physical well-being which invariably follows a run across-country in the keen winter air.
I am informed that special arrangements are made each week for any new runners. Those interested should first consult the hon. secretary, Mr. R. Hyde, 14 Cromer-drive.
This week there is a home match and club run from headquarters, The Festival Pavilion, Leasowe-road, and runners are especially requested to arrive for a prompt 3 o'clock start.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 18/11/1933
Ref 2689