The Wallasey Athletic Club championships that commenced at Leasowe last Saturday convinced me that the club has much latent talent, especially among the younger members. Unfortunately, however, not very much is made of this talent and so the club is not doing as well in matches and open meetings as it should.
However, the future looks fairly good and it is hoped that when several members have completed their National Service we will be able to take on and maybe beat some local clubs.
The championships were held in a strong wind which did not make for fast times, but performances were good and there was a suprisingly good turnout, though a noticeable lack of lady members.
It was particularly good to see Brian Bird and Roy Shaw home on leave from the Army. Roy has been ill lately and so his training has been curtailed, but I think that when the cross-country season arrives, Roy should return to his old form. Brian Bird, who is stationed in Germany, has been training hard and has improved a lot.
We also had a match against Southport Harriers who defeated us by only 6 points. The ladies section did well to force a draw. The club were easily outnumbered and some members were below form so this result is particularly pleasing.
It is rather disappointing to find that this is the last of the club's matches. A meeting with Liverpool Pembroke or Liverpool Harriers would have been very interesting. No more has been heard either of the proposed match Wirral v. the Lancashire side of the river.
Though the Liverpool clubs are more well-known, I feel that the Wirral clubs could have put out a strong team and would quite possibly have come out on top. I hope that a match of this sort is arranged for next season. It would be sure to interest a great number of enthusiasts.
It is pleasing to see more club members entering for open handicap meetings though there are still not enough Wallasey entrants. Club members should not that there are events for ladies at these meetings. Wallasey ladies' performances compare favourably with the standards set and I feel sure that they need only compete once to find out just how enjoyable these events are.
Members' attention is drawn to two forthcoming events: The first is the annual dance at the Tower Ballroom on August 19; the second is the annual general meeting which will take place at the Roycroft Hall on September 23. This is likely to be one of the most important A.G.M.s to be held for some years and it is essential that as many members as possible attend.
Anyone interested in joining the club and getting fit for the cross-country season should contact 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, 13/08/1955 by SPIKE
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