All our local athletic clubs will this Saturday will be staging their Christmas handicap which is always the most enjoyable afternoon of the cross-country season.
This is the day when members past and present congregate at club headquarters, and after many reminiscences of old times all those who can raise any sort of a gallop at all are duly given their handicaps and sent off up Leasowe Road on their 3½ mile journey.
A prize is awarded to each runner finishing the course, and although several members will no doubt be content to amble along, there will be some keen racing amongst those members who are in training.
A handicap race of this sort is, of course, great fun for all concerned as it is equally
enjoyable for the early starters trying to avoid being caught as for the back markers who have to try and work their way through the field. The usual high standard of
handicapping should see the whole field converging en masse on the finish at club headquarters, and the main competitve interest will be in seeing how many positions Bob Johnston and Don Anderson can make up before crossing the finishing line. It is hoped that as many as possible will muster at the club this Saturday afternoon and make the occasion a worthy one.
Wallasey A.C. last Saturday entertained Sefton Harriers when they were beaton in the senior race over 69 miles but won the youths' race over three miles.
In the senior race Bob Johnston took up the winning habit again when he won very comfortably in a time of 34 mins. 7 secs. He led throughout, and with the approach of the major championships is clearly getting nearer to his best form.
He was well backed up by Alan Clarke (3rd) and Arnold Dinsdale (5th) but with six runners to count, Wallasey were narrowly defeated, by 38 points to 41, other scoring runners being Eric Foster (8th) John Winrow (11th), and Ray Scammell (13th).
The youths' race was won very easily by Wallasey's Don Anderson with a time of 16 mins. 10 secs, and with splendid backing up by R. McIvor (3rd), W. Farrell (4th) and
B. Woolford (6th), Wallasey also won the team event by 13 points to 26 points.
The club champiionships are being held next Saturday, December 27th, and competitors are asked to attend early for a 3 p.m. start.
Applications for membership will be welcomed by assistant secretary Bob McCaig, 30 Taunton Road, Wallasey. (phone Wallasey 8904).
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 20/12/1952 by R.M.
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