Wallasey Athletic Club's first team beat 23 teams representing clubs from as far afield at Blackpool, in last Saturday's H. S. Finney Trophy event.
Wallasey's first runner in the four-man relay event was Brian Woolford, who obtained a lead for the club with a time of 14 mins. 7 secs. for the 2¾ mile course, followed by John Wright (14 mins. 34 secs.), Ron Barlow (13 mins. 35 secs.) the fastest leg of the afternoon, and Barry Smith (14 mins. 47 secs.)
Wallasey's 'B' team also ran very well, finishing in 8th position - Ken Roscoe (15 mins. 49 secs.-8th), Mike Teahan (16 mins. 32 secs.-10th), John Young (17 mins. 3 secs.-10th), Doug Hanna (16 mins. 38 secs.) pulling the team back to eighth position.
Wallasey ran only three men in their 'C' team, Len Durkin showing dedication as to run two consecutive legs - Nigel Thompson (16 mins. 59 secs.) Carl Gee (18 mins. 26 secs.), Len Durkin (18 mins. 19 secs. and 16 mins. 30 secs.).
Although there was no team race in the boys' events over 2¼ miles, Wallasey had a number of competitors - Dave Lockley, second, in 10 mins. 39 secs., Steve Walker, 13th in 11 mins. 39 secs., Paul Barrie, 14th in 11 mins. 40 secs., Melvin Schless, 26th in 12 mins. 9 secs., Dave Adair, 28th in 12 mins. 19 secs., there being a total of 38 runners in this straight race.
In the youths' event Mike McNamee finished 9th with Bobby McCaig 13th.
Today, the club are competing in the third league race at St. Helens. Regrettably, Ron Barlow must lose his two-year undefeated record, as he has been selected to run for the North of England against the Midlands and South in a match to be held at Keele. Club members wish him luck following this deserved selection.
Next Saturday, at the club holds its Christmas handicap and we look forward to a large number of competitors. In the evening there will be a club social, and tickets for this may be obtained from committee members.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 11/12/1965 by J.M.
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