After one of the most exciting races seen at Wallasey for many years, the home team were successful, in beating Liverpool Harriers last Saturday by the narrow margin of 36 joints to 42.
This result was all the more pleasing as, after Pembroke, Liverpool are held to be the strongest club in the district, and it is only on rare occasions that Wallasey have been able to record a victory over them.
The race started at 3.30 in almost perfect weather conditions and from the outset N. Marples of Wallasey set a very fast pace. Over the first mile he gradually drew away from his nearest rivals and over the Bidston marshes he had a clear lead of 40 yards. Here the going was very difficult for the course was partly flooded after the recent heavy rain. But this affected the pace very little for neither team as yet had any decided positional advantage and it was evident that the ultimate result was going to be very close. Behind Marples came O'Mahoney of Liverpool with Edwards (Wallasey) right on his heels; then, close together a group of runners from both clubs. There was nothing at all in the race especially when Watson (Wallasey) had to fall back from 4th to 18th position while adjusting a running shoe.
Over the Bidston footbridge, up Station Road and on to the Upton footpath; then round in a wide sweep across-country to Sandibrook Lane, the position remained substantially unchanged, Marples still led by about 30 yards with O'Mahoney and Edwards unable to gain upon him. Through Moreton Village and along the Hoylake Road into Danger Lane and then the second and third runners lessened appreciably and at one point there appeared to be a danger that he would be overhauled. The slackening in his pace was, however, only temporary. On the last two miles he once more drew clear; down Leasowe Road on the last stretch he was running apparently as strongly as ever, and he won easily with a clear lead over O'Mahoney who had managed to get the better of Edwards after a keen struggle.
The race, however, was by no means over. After Edwards, came Andrew of Wallasey, who had run magnificently to hold his position throughout. But he was followed in by three of the visiting team and right up to the end it was doubtful which club had the advantage. Finally, however, with Grisedale and Arkless running well up and Richardson finishing 11th to complete Wallasey's counters victory went to the home runners by the narrowest of margins.
The race was a significant one. It puts Wallasey A.C. right back on the map as a force in Merseyside athletics. It also demonstrates beyond question the strength of the junior runners in the club, for they occupied four of the counting positions in addition to which three other juniors only just failed to get a place. On this showing they will undoubtedly stand a splendid chance, not only in the district but also in the Lancashire championships later in the season. Result:-
Wallasey A.C. - 1, N. Marples; 3; J. Edwards; 4, K. Andrew; 8, D. Grisedale; 9, J. Arkless; 10, W. Richardson; total, 36 points,
Liverpool Harriers - 2, T. O'Mahoney ; 5, T. Owen; 6, J. Malcomson; 7, F. Lewis; 10, J. Gebhardt; 12, J. Owen; total, 42 points.
To-day, Wallasey are running at West Derby in a four-sided fixture against Sefton Harriers, Bangor University, and Boundary Harriers. With their full side out there is every confidence that the club will put up a good show against this very strong opposition.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 05/11/1938
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