The first, of the season's preliminary cross-country runs was held by Wallasey Athletic Club last Saturday from the Festival Pavilion in Leasowe-road.
A muster of 20 runners was rather below last season's attendances, but this can be accounted for by the fact that many of the old hands will not be joining in until the season officially opens in a fortnight's time.
The main pack went out under club captain W. R. Richardson's care, Edwards leaving with a small party a few minutes later. A course of roughly six miles was followed, being for the most part grassland. In view of the number of newcomers present and the hard state of the ground, Richardson set a very slow pace, but kept the pack well together. R. Leach, the popular miler who is taking up an appointment in Southampton this week, and K. Westmore, Liverpool University captain, broke away and ran through together. Edwards and his crew eventually caught the main pack in Moreton and from there a very respectable pace was maintained, although pack formation was still retained. This speaks well for the band of newcomers, whose running was of an exceptionally high standard. 0f these P. Watson was always well to the fore and D. Grisdale seemed to have no difficulty in keeping up. Some of the runners wanted to break away for the mile finish down Leasowe-road but Richardson wisely checked them and so the run was concluded, a good afternoons sport in glorious weather and 20 men feeling fitter for their efforts.
Application for membership of Wallasey Athletic Club should be made to the hon. secretary, Mr. R. G. Hyde, 14 Cromer-drive, Wallasey.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 18/09/1937
Ref 2661