The up and coming Lancashire Boys' champions, Wigan Harriers, proved too much of a handful for Wallasey last Saturday when they scored the double in the Boys' and Youths' cross-country races sponsored by Wallasey A.C.
In the Boys' race, over a 2½-mlle course, Wigan also provided the individual winner in D. Green, who was closely followed home by Wallasey's David Lockley, running for St. George's School. Only three seconds separated the first two runners and they were closely pursued by three more Wigan runners, who made up the visitors' scoring four.
St. George's are to be congratulated on two teams finishing in 2nd and 6th places, their scoring members being: 'A' team: D. Lockley 2nd, J. Chesworth 13th, W. Element 14th, J Warrilow 18th; 'B' team: D. Warrilow 21st, L Kirkbride 25th, M Vick 29th, P Johnston 32nd.
The home club took third place, with John Jones first man home in 8th place. He was supported by Peter Emery 12th, Bobby McCaig 22nd, and Ian Wilson 26th.
Withensfield were perhaps the surprise of the day, finishing in 4th place with scorers: Oldham 16th, Adair 16th, Lloyd 17th and Bewley 27th; and they were followed by Gorsedale with an off-form Les Watcham in 11th place, backed by Cooper 20th, Begbie 28th and Ainsworth 31st.
Moreton failed to finish a team, which was perhaps unfortunate, as their first three boys were in 6th, 19th and 23rd places.
The final result, with 35 boys competing, was; 1st Wigan A.C. 13 pts.; 2nd, St. George's 'A' 47 pts.; 3rd, Wallasey A.C. 68 pts.; 4th, Withensfield 75 pts.; 5th, Gorsedale 90 pts.; 6th, St. George's 'B' 107 pts.
YOUTHS
In the Youths' race there was a somewhat depleted field, due to the absence of Pilkington Recs., who failed to put in their promised appearance and only 11 runners took to the 3½-mlle course. As in the Boys' race, Wigan again dominated proceedings and finished ahead of Wallasey A.C. with 1st, 2nd. 4th and 5th places to total 12 pts.
Wallasey's scorers were Barrie Smith, who ran well to take third place, Allan Keating 6th, Robin Tarrant 8th, and Mike Mason 9th. Between them they scored 26 pts. and placed Brian Thackray and Will Jones 10th and 11th respectively.
TODAY'S CHAMPIONSHIPS
Wallasey A.C's boys and youths will run over slightly longer courses today, when the annual cross-country championships are held. The boys' race will be over 3 miles and the youths will tackle a 5-mile course, and whilst the latter Is a straight championship the boys will be sub-divided by age into groups of under-14, 15 and 16 years of age, there being medals for each age group. Both races start at 3 p.m.
UNIVERSITY INVITATION
Wallasey A.C. has received an invitation from Liverpool University for junior and senior runners to compete today in a friendly match at Wyncote, Mather Ave., Liverpool. Intending runners should arrive no later than 2:30 pm by 86 or 86A bus for a 3.0 p.m. start.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 07/11/1964 by DISCOBOLUS
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