From St. Asaph last Saturday afternoon a field, of over 200 runners started on the seven and a half mile annual St. Asaph to Rhyl Road Race, which continues to attract a fine entry. The field included several International runners including Gerry North of Blackpool A.C., regarded by many as Britain's finest cross-country athlete.
The usual small cluster of top-class runners soon showed itself at the head of the field, which on this occasion was made up of Gerry North, brother Geoff North, Wallasey's John Wright, international miler Mike Berisford, and Don Shelley of North Staffs Harriers. Wright was in top form and he and Gerry North soon pulled slightly away from the other leading runners but at about the 3-mile point passing Rhuddlan Castle, North asserted himself and took a clear lead of about 100 yards.
Wright continued to run with great assurance and he was still in second place as the runners turned on to Rhyl promenade against a strong head wind with 1 mile to go. These conditions over this last stage favoured the more powerful Shelley and Berisford, who gradually overhauled the Wallasey runner, but Wright resisted the challenge of international Geoff North and finished in fourth place after one of his best runs of the season.
Brian Woolford continued his gradual return to form in finishing 22nd and Kevin Mather surprised everybody by closely following Woolford in 23rd position, finishing
full of running after a very spirited run during which he was always well up.
Ron Barlow felt the effects of a bad cold and again ran below form in finishing fortieth, followed by Brian Chalton, showing signs of his recent championship exertions,in forty-first position. Of the thirty odd teams engaged Wallasey finished in fourth place.
Today there is a club run from H.Q. at 3 p.m. Next Saturday sees the Northern Championships, this year at Blackpool.
Wallasey A.C. will be travelling by coach, leaving at approximately 11 a.m. Supporters and friends of the club will be very welcome and anybody interested
sbould contact general secretary Matt Smith, of 20 Beechwood Avenue.,or Bob McCaig at 30 Taunton Road. (Tel. New Brighton 1632).
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 18/02/1961 by R.M.C.
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