The club championships held last Saturday by Wallasey Athletic Club proved very successful. For once a club event had abundant officials and a good turnout of competitors.
Conditions were against fast times but the racing was good and many of the events provided exciting finishes. Perhaps the best race was the senior 3 miles in which, after 1½ miles, John Lynch looked well beaten only to find that extra bit and go on to win easily.
Bob Fullerton ran a very good senior 880 yards and it was unfortunate that there was no-one else to really push him as he ran the race easily and won with some distance to spare after a very strong finish. Incidentally, it was good to see Les Williams on leave from the R.A.F. I hear he has been running well lately, though he has had some trouble with blisters on his feet. However, with the approach of cross-country season he is starting his distance training and should do very well.
There is now only two months before the first cross-country race, and members should be thinking of getting in the distance running over the country now before the evenings become too dark. Wallasey has a great reputation for cross-country runners, especially amongst younger members. Last year the youth section won practically every local championship and they astounded local enthusiasts by finishing 7th in the National Championship out of some 80 teams. Unfortunately, many of last year's youths are now engaged on National Service and a few replacements are needed to bring this year's team to full strength. The junior team, comprising mainly of National Servicemen now, is hoping to do well this year, and is planning a reunion for the County Championships early in January. This is the team that won the county youth's championship so decisively last year and though they will have to run 8 miles this year they are determined to at least get a place.
It is rumoured that the seniors will be fielding a team this year. If this is so it will give the club a good boost as it is now some time since Wallasey last finished a complete senior team; however, with Dave Standfast, Bob Fullerton, Frank Ledward, and perhaps even Bob Johnston back in the running it is possible that the senior section may return to its old strength.
Anyone interested in joining the club and trying for a place in any of the teams should contact either Mr. R. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, Wallasey, Mr. C. W. Gee, 78 King Street, Wallasey, or J. Massey, 200 Seaview Road , Liscard.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 27/08/1955 by SPIKE
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