At the request of their visitors Wallasey A.C. ran last Saturday's match over a 4½ miles road course and the home club's cross-country runners were defeated by a team which included an international runner and other champions all specialised in road racing.
In a massed start of 34 runners W. R. Richardson, captain, Fishwick and Lightfoot were prominent for Wallasey, whilst Norman Jones, international, A. E. Frost, who won the premier award at the recent "Monstre Meet" and B. Nolan showed Pembroke's prowess. The last mentioned three proceeded to draw away from the main body after the first mile, with Edwards, who had quickly come to the fore, close behind them, H. Lightfoot, Marples and Cunningham, all of Wallasey, being well placed. Practically the whole length of Leasowe Road was traversed without much change in the leading order. Misfortune befell Wallasey just before the embankment was reached, where Davies, the "Monstre Meet" winner was forced to give up and Davey, Liverpool & District Champion, had a bad fall. Later, Lightfoot developed a stitch and was reduced to walking the rest of the way. Right along the embankment Edwards chased the leading trio and across the shore where he revelled in the soft going of sea water and sand, making up many years on his Liverpool rivals. But as soon as the Pembroke runners reached the embankment again they put on all speed and successfully repulsed Edwards' lone bid to break into the first three. Praise must go to N. Marples and Joe Cunningham who maintained the splendid positions of 7th and 8ththroughout the race. Marples looked and ran much stronger after his short rest and showed again that promise of becoming a very fine athlete. Ledward ran his usual consistent race, being followed home by Parry who seems to have become a much steadier performer. The brothers, Richardson, fought out a family duel, J. A. smartly beating W. R. by only a few yards ; but 16th place is certainly well below the latter's capabilities. T. Sawyer was out again after his foot injury and seemed to move quite easily and Grisdale again ran very well. Result:- -
Pembroke A.C. - 1, A. E. Frost: 2, N. Jones; 3, N. Nolan; 5, W. Thomason; 6, R. B. Cooke ; 9, F. O'Kell - Total 26 pts.
Wallasey A.C. - 4, J. Edwards; 7, N. Marples; 8, J. Cunningham & 13, F. K. Ledward ; 14, C. Parry ; 15, J. A. Richardson - Total 61 pts.
Mr. Allen, Pembroke's Vice-President, made a short speech after the run in which he referred to the great loss his Club and athletics generally had sustained through the death of their President, the late Mr. G. E. Pugh, the well-known Merseyside sportsman, for whom the Pembroke runners will wear a mourning sash over their colours throughout the present season. Mr. W. S. Brookes replied for Wallasey and tendered sympathy both from the Club and from himself as a personal friend.
The first of the winter whist drives was held the same evening at Kelly's Cafe, 261 Wallasey Village, and, of course, was up to the usual high standard set by Wallasey Athletic Club. Runners showed their versatility by annexing 1st and 3rd prizes and winning the draw.
The prize winners were :-1st, F. K. Ledward ; 2nd, Miss Jackson ; 3rd, J. Williams.
To-day a selected team will run in the Liverpool & District Relay race around Sefton Park outer circuit, in which the Wallasey team has a chance of gaining one of the places, although Pembroke should have no difficulty in winning the major honour. There will be eight relays of 2½ miles each. A Club run will be held for all others from the usual headquarters in Leasowe Road, under the direction of Mr. W. G. Williams.
Prospective runners should apply to Mr R. G. Hyde. 14, Cromer- Drive, hon. secretary, Wallasey Athletic Club.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 30/10/1937
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