Wallasey Athletic Club's time-honoured Christmas Handicap, for which there was a reasonably good turn-out, was run from club headquarters over the usual stretch of Leasowe Road to Leasowe Common, returning along the shore.
It was Soon evident that Bob McCaig was not going to give ground to anybody if he could help it, and only John Wright the scratch man, was able to come next to him, Bob eventually winning by a yard in a good time. Tony James was a game third, whilst the pack followed in closely.
Speaking of Christmas handicaps brings to mind the excellent performance of Brian Woolford in Sheffield United Harriers' event. Running, as a second claim member, Brian was the eventual winner but the most impressive aspect of the run was that it was the fourth fastest of the day, and this in the club that is undoubtedly the strongest in the north, if not in the country. Well run, Brian.
Today, the first of the major championships will be held through out the country. The Cheshire Championships are being held at Lyme Park, Disley, where Wallasey hope to become County champions again. Most ably led by John Wright a possible winner of the event, the strength of the team lies in the big potentialities of Ron Barlow, Brian Woolford and Pete White. All of these four can easily finish in the first nine, thereby qualifying for the Cheshire team to run in the inter-counties. Kevin Mather and Brian Chalton are the likely members to complete the counting side, but they must finish in the first twenty-five if Wallasey are, to have any chance at all.
For a county with only nine athletic clubs within its boundaries, Cheshire is very strong in talent. Macclesfield Harriers, reigning champions, but unfortunately without Mike Corcoran through injury, will take a lot of beating, and Sale Harriers are always a threat to any team. The support of non-counting members of the team, right down to the l0th man, is therefore most essential.
Special transport has been arranged for the teams and supporters leaving the Electricity Showrooms. Wallasey Road, at 11.30 a.m., picking up at Birkenhead Town Hall at 11:45 p.m. R. McCaig at New Brighton 1632 has all the details.
Wallasey's boys' and youth teams are also good all-round teams with some outstanding individuals and it may well be that their successes, too, will be featuring in the full report of the races that will appear next week.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 02/01/1960
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