The Cheshire Championships held at Port Sunlight last Saturday provided Wallasey A.C. with many surprises not the least being the defeat of Ron Barlow in the boys' race and the runaway victory of the youths' team.
The course was rather flat, but had plenty of variety, rough country, plough and ditches, but in parts the marking was not quite up to scratch.
The boys' race was won by Field, of Stockport School, with Ron Barlow 2nd and Tony Townsend 3rd. Tony seems to be closing the gap on Ron lately and we should see some fine races between them. They were followed by Dave White 20th, another hoy who is showing improvement this year, and Tony Farrell 39th, a run well below his usual form.
They were followed by Brian Anthony 47th and Phil Townsend 66th. These two boys need only experience before they too will be in the clubs counting men. Wallasey A.C. gained their place in this race with 64 points.
The youths' race was won by Corcoran, of Macclesfield, and Wallasey's men were 4th, Roy Shaw, a very good run considering the calibre of the first three, followed by 6th, Pete White, who surprised himself and the club; 12th, Sam McIvor, whose runs this year have all established him as a good team member, who can be relied on to get a good place, and 20th, Les Williams, probably the biggest improvement in the whole club.
These four gave Wallasey a total of 42 points 30 better than the 2nd team. They were followed home by three runners who were much below form, Brian Woolford 24th (10th last year), Brian Hamilton 20th and Bill Farrell 33rd (after being 3rd for the first mile).
The senior and junior race was won by Pete smith, of Sale. Wallasey's men, though having no star, ran well and packed solidly. The first man home was John Lynch, 33rd, a good run considering John is only a junior, 41st, John Ryan, showing a great deal of improvement in his first season over the country; 46th, Hugh Pritchard, who started after the others, 52nd, John Warden, not quite up to the form showed as a youth, 54th, Dave Standfast, and 56th, Jim Johnson completed our counters. They were followed by 57th, Alan Clarke and 58th Ray Scammell.
One thing must be remembered in criticising this race, is that many of Wallasey's men were juniors.
Next week the club hold their annual club championships from the H.Q. at Leasowe. There will be medals for the first two home in each race and should there be five or more, competitors in a race there will be a sealed handicap prize. The starting times, which will be strictly adhered to, are: boys 3 p.m., seniors 3-15 p.m., juniors 3.20 and youths 3.25 p.m. The seniors will run a lap course.
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Mr R. F. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, Wallasey, or Mr. R. Woolley, 8 Bradman Road, Moreton.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 08/01/1955 by SPIKE
Ref 2439