The Cheshire County Championships at Port Sunlight last Saturday proved fairly successful for Wallasey Athletic Club members and though one or two results were a little disappointing, the overall standard was very good and Wallasey were placed in eleven of the events, gaining 2 first, 2 seconds and 7 thirds.
Len Platt, the Cheshire and Wallasey captain gained a double in the high and long jumps but was suprisingly beaten in the hop, step and jump after spraining his ankle in an awkward landing. Matt Smith, Wallasey's other jumper, was second in the high jump and third in the pole vault.
In the field events Wallasey throwers gained three thirds and two fourths, Ray Owen was third in the hammer, Carl Gee in the discus and R. M. McHarrie in the javelin.
The senior runners were a little of form and did not gain any places though Roy Parry, running in the half mile, seemed to have the race in his pocket, but unfortunately he could not hold the lead which is not suprising considering he had been travelling for two days.
Our field event men seem to be improving. Ray Owen and Carl Gee did well to gain places as the standard in their events seems to be rising steadily.
The seniors missed the services of Ron Barlow and Tom Kennedy both of whom were too young to compete. A race between Tom and Tony Day of Manchester would have been particularly thrilling. However, Ian Bell, of Wallasey G.S. did well to gain thirds in the long jump and the 440 yards, while Ray Wood was fourth in these events. Pete White shocked himself with a second in the mile, Brian Bird would have useful in the 100 yards. He won in 4.3? seconds. Brian is a second faster than this but unfortunately his army commitments were too heavy.
The ladies section of the club seems to comprise of two members Penny Price and Margaret Collings. It seems a pity that we have to rely on just these tow girls to carry Wallasey's colours at every meeting. There must be plenty of ladies with some athletic ability in Wallasey. Surely our girls are not just famed for their beauty. Anyone interested should contact Jean Massey, 200 Seaview Road, Wallasey. Tel. Wallasey 6455. Last Saturday, Margaret and Penny did very well in their events. Penny was third in the discus and also sprinted well, while Margaret was also third in the high jump, which incidentally was won in a new record height.
This Saturday several Wallasey athletes are officiating or competing at the R.I.C.C. sports at Helsby while others, notably Tom Kennedy, Tony Townsend and Ian McIvor will be at Wallasey G.S. sports.
If you think a five mile run first thing in the morning is too much, try doing it in the evening at club H.Q. at Leasowe. Anyone who would like to do so should contact Mr. R. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, Wallasey (tel. 2389) or Mr. C. W. Gee, 78 King Street, Wallasey (tel. 5129).
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 11/06/1955 by SPIKE
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