The first annual cross-country championships of the Cheshire County Athletic Association were held at Winnington Park Recreation Club, Northwich, last Saturday.
Over a three lap course of seven miles in a strong wind, and resulted in an easy win for Wirral Athletic Club, our neighbours and local rivals from Birkenhead, who also provided the individual winner, J. J. Kay. Of about 80 starters, 62 runners finished the course. Excellent packing by their first six men home, with strong support from the remainder of their team gave Wallasey Athletic Club the second place behind Wirral after a close contest with Stockport Harriers and Macclesfield Harriers. The counting six for Wallasey were Denis Dickinson 15th, Arkless 17th, Johnston 18th, Thompson 22nd, Edwards 25th and Kelly 28th; other finishers were Tony Dickinson 41st, Foster 43rd, Simpson 47th and Wright 49th.
Thus the conscientious training of the Wallasey team, carried out in all weathers, each week since the beginning of the season, reaped its reward in the first championships of this winter. Club captain John Arkless is running better than ever. After a brief enforced absence due to a sprained ankle it is gratifying to find Denis Dickinson quickly back at the top of his form leading his team mates in strong support of veteran John Edwards, who has for too long ploughed a valiant lone furrow in local championships. Bob Johnston's performance was most creditable considering his age: he has now joined the R.A.F. for the period of his National Service.
The team will now continue training hard in preparation for the Liverpool & District Championships at the end of January, and the West Lancashire Championships in February.
This Saturday afternoon Wallasey Athletic Club's traditional Christmas Handicap will be run over a 4 miles course at Leasowe, with a prize for every finisher. All members and friends are welcome on this social occasion, running or helping behind the scenes.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 18/12/1948 by E.C.F.
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