J. Edwards, of Wallasey Athletic Club, running from actual scratch won the Smethurst Handicap promoted by Wirral A.C. over a heavy 7 miles' cross-country course at Prenton last Saturday. J. Davies of the home club with 3 mins. 45 secs. start was second, and F. Riveley, also of Wirral A.C., with an allowance of 6 minutes, third in a field of 25 runners.
Edwards who ran for the Northern Counties against the Army last, year, came through from the back-mark with a well-judged effort overhauling Davies and Riveley only in the last quarter mile.
Two other Wallasey runners also competed in the event and for them both it was their first big cross-country race. J. Byrne who finished 14th suffered a stitch in the early part of the race but was going really well towards the finish and R. Hubbard, 17th, made good progress in the first five miles but slowed a little later on. Both did well to stay the arduous 7 miles' course which covered the Thingwall and Barnston Vale areas
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 13/01/1945
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