Liverpool Pembroke's first team retained their hold on the Neville White Cup on Saturday when, in the Liverpool & District Cross-Country Union's marathon relay race over 26 miles 385 yards in Sefton Park they finished first in 2 hrs. 20 mins. 54 secs.
This was 3 mins. 16 secs, better than Liverpool Harriers, who were second in 2 hrs. 24 mins. 10 secs, and Wallasey A third in 2 hrs. 25 mins. 13 secs.
The first lap, as a year ago, was done in record time, T. O'Mahon, of Liverpool Harriers, rising to the occasion in the unexpected absence of his clubmate, G. Malcolmson and leading Norman Jones, of Liverpool Pembroke, over the line by about six yards in 16 mins. 34 secs. In this lap Ken Westmore, the former Liverpool University captain, ran splendidly for Wallasey against the two first named, who each in turn held the lead until close home, when O'Mahoney went ahead.
Liverpool's lead, however, was a short one for in the second lap W. H. Marsh put Liverpool Pembroke in front, Wallasey moved to second place, and Liverpool dropped to third. Pembroke after this were always in the lead, but the battle for second place between Wallasey and Liverpool Harriers was a magnificent one. First one, then the other held it. In the seventh lap. F. Stone (Liverpool Harriers) and P. Watson (Wallasey) finished level after a final sprint, and then in the last lap G. Stone, running splendidly in the rain to cover the lap in 17 mins. 52 secs., won second place for Liverpool.
Boundary Harriers were unfortunate as their last runner, E. Cole, got off the track and, as a consequence, the team were ruled out. Nine clubs competed, these being: Liverpool Pembroke "A" and "B", Wallasey "A" and "B", Waterloo H., Boundary H., Liverpool H., Wirral AC, and Sefton.
Ends
Source - Liverpool Echo - Monday, 03/04/1939
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