Wallasey A.C. secured four of the first six placings in the senior race in the big cross-country meeting at the Green Dragon, St. Helens, last Saturday.
This was a big shock for the Liverpool clubs who have previously held a tight grip on front placings in local cross-country meetings.
First man home was Ron Barlow, ex-Northern youth champion and one of the Wallasey club's finest prospects. He just beat club mate P. White in a close finish after White had made all the running soon after the start.
Wallasey only narrowly missed a clean sweep for John Wright, after being with the leaders for most of the way, was narrowly beaten by K. Wooldridge of Sefton Harriers. In sixth place we had Tony Townsend the Grammar School cross-country captain. This powerfully built lad should improve even more as the season progresses. He was followed in 16th place by marathon specialist John Lynch. In 17th place was Phil Townsend with Dave White 19th. Ian Mclvor was 31st - an inexplicable result as Mac had been training really hard for some months.
The youths' race did not really come up to expectation though the placings and packing were good. They were: 8th Brian Chalton, 10th Billy Morris and 11th John Young.
In the boys' race we saw John Sugars just edged into 2nd place after a very tight and, I might add, disputed finish.
Today the Club are holding a 4 miles sealed road handicap from Club H.Q. at Leasowe Road, commencing at 3 p.m. and next week sees the start of the Merseyside League Championship.
Anyone who is interested in a little exercise (and it's amazing how much good a weekly run will do you), will be welcome at Leasowe Road any Saturday afternoon or should contact Mr. R. F. Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street, (Tel. New Brighton 2389).
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 12/10/1957 by SPIKE
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