Wallasey A.C. entertained Sutton H. and Sefton H. last Saturday in a friendly match over six miles at Leasowe.
The result was once again a victory for the local club, an outstanding performance in that it was pulled off without Wallasey's familiar trio of Wright, White and Barlow. John Wright was still recovering from 'flu, and Pete White and Ron Barlow were busy ploughing their way round the mire at Preston in the inter-area race.
The performance of the day came from 18-year-old Dave White, who after leading for the first lap, was only just beaten by Sefton star Brian Fozard, Dave's time being only 6 secs, slower than the course record set by Northern youth champion Ron Barlow. Dave was followed in fourth place by Tony Townsend, another good runner from Wallasey Grammar School; Tony's twin, Phil Townsend, was 9th.
It is safe to assume that, these three plus the "old firm" of Wright, White and Barlow, will comprise Wallasey's counters in the Cheshire Championships to be held at Chester this afternoon. It is obvious now that Wallasey must have more than a chance in this race. If we do in fact win it, it will be a feat worth boasting, for though this is a Senior championship, only John Wright of the above-mentioned is a senior runner.
We were very pleased to see Kevin Mather and Colin Harris out last Saturday. Kevin is a newcomer to the club, but has had plenty of experience of Service running in Germany and should prove very useful. Both Ian McIvor and John Lynch seem to be showing much improvement on their early season running.
ALL OUT AT CHESTER
Chester promises to provide a good course today. The club's toughest opponents will be Sale Harriers, who can call on Mike Berrisford (the international miler) and several runners who have already run for Cheshire; and Wirral A.C., who have the University runners Batty and Adams and R.A.F. representative Bill Bennett. Wallasey will go all out, for if they win, they may be invited to run in the Manchester-Blackpool Road Relay, probably the best recognition of a club in the north of England.
Coaches will leave for Chester: Boys and youths 12.15 from St. Albans Road. Contact club secretary Ron Hubbard, 44 Tollemache Street (New Brighton 2389).
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 04/01/1958 by Spike
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