In the Waterloo Road Race last Saturday, Wallasey Athletic Club gave their most promising, display of the season.
In a field of 100 runners representing no less than 18 clubs from the North of England, Wallasey's men showed up remarkably well and they were successful in gaining the fifth position, and winning the set of prizes for the first unplaced Merseyside team home.
The race over 6¾ miles was started by the Mayor of Crosby (Alderman H. Williams) and a large crowd of spectators, lining the streets surrounding the Waterloo Town Hall gave the runners a rousing send-off. Over the first 2½ miles L. Whittle, of Salford Harriers led the way but he was eventually passed by D. G. Edgar (Sutton) who won the race in 1937. A close struggle ensued between these two men and A. Partington, the Salford captain. Edgar was pressed very hard but he just managed to retain his lead and in one of the most exciting finishes seen for several years he succeeded in beating his rivals to the post. A margin of only two seconds separated him from Whittle, with Partington a few yards behind, third. Edgar's time of 36 mins. 15 secs. was 31 secs. better than his time last year; but 55 secs. slower than the record put up by W. Eaton (Salford) in 1935.
Despite their leader's effort, Sutton were unsuccessful in defending the Malcolm Bullock team championship which went to Salford with 27 points. Their team was :L. Whittle, 2; A. Partington, 3; P. Brownlow, 8; and G. Brownlow, 14. Sutton were second in the championship with 36 points and Liverpool Pembroke third with 54. In the inter-university cross-country event run in conjunction with the race, Sheffield defeated Liverpool by 72 points to 106.
Wallasey Harriers, with 82 points, came fifth in the race after Sheffield University, and as Pembroke, the only other Merseyside team in with a lower points total, were third, the club were thus successful in winning the prizes presented to the first unplaced local team. For this splendid performance Wallasey were chiefly indebted to the fine running of K. Westmore (13th) and J. Edwards (16th), and they were ably backed by N. Marples (23rd) and W. Davey (30th). Coming after their victories in inter-club races, this success definitely places Wallasey A.C. among the strongest clubs in the district, and confirms the impression that they are in for their best season ever.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 26/11/1938
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