Last Saturday Wallasey A.C. met with, their first defeat of the season when the team visited the Litherland headquarters of Pembroke Harriers.
There was no reason for disappointment at this result. Pembroke are one of the strongest clubs in the north and on their own course take a lot of beating. Wallasey were weakened by the absence of several leading runners and except for J. Edwards were represented by practically a novice team.
The race was run over a two-lap course, the distance being approximately six miles. A. Frost and B. Nolan (Pembroke) went to the front with Edwards and Andrew of Wallasey close behind. With two miles covered the field was already well spread out with the home side holding a positional advantage. A strip of ploughland slowed up the pack but now Frost and Edwards were going ahead and individual honours clearly lay between the two. Meanwhile, Andrew unfortunately, had been compelled to fall back with a severe stitch. One or two other Wallasey runners were also finding the going difficult but all survived the temptation to turn off at the end of the first lap and make for the nearby and very inviting clubhouse.
With two miles of the race to go, Edwards went into the lead and running very strongly he kept this position to about a quarter of a mile, from home. He could not, however, shake off his very determined opponent, who, being more familiar with the course, was better able to conserve his energies for the final sprint in, when he managed to pass the Wallasey champion to win by the narrow margin of 10 yards. Edwards had to be content with second place - a magnificent effort against such opposition.
His fine running was, however, unavailing. The young Wallasey team did their best but they were not just good enough to hold Pembroke. Behind Edwards came four more of the home men before G. Arkless provided Wallasey with their second counter. The latter had every reason to be pleased with his performance in his first race for the club. He shows great promise and with consistent training will undoubtedly develop into a very useful athlete.
After their sixth man home had completed the Pembroke counters the rest of the Wallasey team put up a belated appearance, and before it grew dark they were all safely buck in the clubhouse. Most of them had a fairly good excuse for being so far back - stitch in the case of Andrew, a bad leg in the case of Peers, unfamiliarity with the course, etc. - but really there was no need for excuses. To place six in the first twelve against a team like Pembroke was a very satisfactory performance. When they got their strongest side out, Wallasey will be a force to be reckoned with in the district. Result. - Pembroke Harriers; 1, A. E. Frost; 3, B. Nolan; 4, W. Roberts; 5, W. Marsh; 6, J. McGregor; 6, K. Cookson; total, 27 points. Wallasey A.C.: 2, J. Edwards; 7, J. Arkless; 9, C. Peers; 10. K. Andrew; 11, J. Whittingham; 12, J. Richardson; total, 61 points.
To-day Wallasey are at home to Liverpool Harriers and a very close race is anticipated. The club will be represented by the following; Arkless, Davey, Freshwicke, Grisedale, Hewson, Ledward, Marples, J. Peers, J. Richardson, W. Richardson, Rimmer, J. Williams. For other members there will be the usual Saturday training run, commencing at 3.30.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 29/10/1938
Ref 2142