Ron Barlow for the second week in succession, beat the best on Merseyside from a field of 86 ,to win the .first. Liverpool & District League Race at Woolton over a five mile course last Saturday. His time of 29 mins. 1 sec. over this course shows that Barlow is heading for National honours again this year.
He was supported by four other runners who, we feel sure, will help Wallasey Athletic Club in the not to distant future to be the leading athletic club on Merseyside.
Brian Woolford finished fourteenth, which was a very able performance considering his recent injury. His time was 31 mins. 30 secs.
Barry Smith' and Doug Hanna finished in 34th and 55th positions respectively, which were both exceptional performances considering that the field was combined junior and senior, and that this is the first time either of them has run as a junior.
Brian Chalton, who has yet to gain full fitness, finished down the field but it is certain that each run in the future will bring him nearer to the leaders.
Dave Lockley led the Wallasey team to a fine victory in the boys' race, followed home in second position by John Jones. Both these runs were very creditable performances, their times of 11 mins. 51 secs. and 11 mins. 55 secs. showing that Wallasey Athletic Club has a very bright future before it.
Melvin Schless, who was running his first year as a boy in the boys' age group; finished in 9th position in 13 mins. 15 secs. He was followed home by Pete Lewis and Ian Wilson in 18th and 21st positions, and we hope that this victory will give great incentive for the future.
In the youths' event, Bobby McCaig, Wallasey's only representative, finished in 11th position.
This week, the club championships are being held, which will be open to all ages. The boys' and youths' events are over a 1-mile course, the junior over 5 miles, and the senior over 6 or 7 miles, the senior course having yet to be determined.
Next week, contrary to the advertised fixture list, the club is holding a Sealed Handicap over the 3¼ mile Christmas Handicap course; there being prizes for the first runners of each age group home.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 23/10/1965 by J.M.
Ref 1406