Saturday last saw the annual championships of "Homecroft Athletic Club," which proved a decided success owing to the excellent trail laid by Messrs. Morrison and S. L. Brookes.
Eighteen runners turned out, including the best men of the club, and never was speculation more uncertain as to who would be the ultimate winner, but Barley (last year's winner) was favourite. A hot pace was set by Rothery for the first half-mile, when the running was taken up by Mole, one of the season's novices, who upon entering the country at St. Hilary's Brow increased his lead. Here the field begun to spread-eagle, the hot pace telling its tale on the less speedy runners. On reaching Leasowe, Mole had a lead of about 200 yards from Jones, closely followed by T. J. Brookes, Barley, Gurnell (who's knee was troubling him) and W. S. Brookes. It was at this point, however, that Barley put on more steam, and on reaching Wallasey Station he had second place, closely attended by T. J. Brookes, and MoIe's lead had been reduced to 100 yards. It was evident that a ding-dong race must ensue, and anticipations were realised by the stewards in attendance when the captain took the lead with 1,000 yards to go, and winning by 20 yards from Mole, with T. J. Brookes some 80 yards in the rear. The following is the order and times of the first dozen:-
M. S.
1. J. B. Barley 40 5
2. Gresham Mole 40 10
3. T, J. Brookes 40 35
4. B. D. Jones 41 10
5. Sam Gurnell 42 55
6. W. S. Brookes 43 40
7. C. N. Hudson 43 55
9. H. H. Rothery 44 35
10. J. McGuire 45 0
10. P. E. Wilcox 45 45
11. H. Ladyman 46 8
12. P. T. Monks 50 22
The distance was seven miles. The sealed handicap which was held in connection with this race resulted in J. McGuire being first, P. E. Wilcox second, and J. D. Jones third.
To-day the club are having a friendly run with Liverpool Pembroke Harriers, and next Saturday there will be a battle royal with Wallasey Harriers from Oarside Farm.
Special mention should be made of the very sportsmanlike action of W. N. Talbot. It seems that Tipping sprained his foot on a ploughed field at Leasowe, which necessitated him walking home, a distance of four miles, and Talbot praiseworthily threw away his chances in the race by remaining with him, thus arriving about an hour after the other competitors.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 02/02/1907
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