The popular captain of Homecroft Harriers was born at Derby some 25 years ago, and as a youth always identified himself with sport generally.
In 1898-9 he was one ot the principal organisers of Derby Friargate Football & Cricket Club, and played with conspicuous success in both branches of the club until 1902, when his business brought him to this district; and from that date down to the present time he has represented the Liverpool Customs Football & Cricket Club, acting as treasurer for the latter section. It was, however, in 1905 that he commenced his most successful pursuit, viz., running, when he joined Homecroft Athletic Club, his initial success being third in a five miles race, followed by first in seven miles, second in three miles (doing 15 min. 42 secs. for the full course), and he also won the championship (seven miles) of the club in his first year.
In 1906 he did some track racing, accomplishing a fine performance in winning the first prize in a mile race at New Brighton Tower, third mile Medical Charities, and first 880 yards Pembroke Harriers. At the opening run of the Liverpool & District Cross-country Association in 1906 he was eighth out of a total of about 300 runners, and in the season following again won his club's championship and took the second aggregate medal for the inter-club runs. Another good performance was in being fifth in the L.&D.C.C. junior championship at Hooton Racecourse last March. During the summer of 1907 he spent little time on the track, but was able to carry off second in 1,000 yards Pembroke Harriers and second mile New Brighton Tower. In inter-club cross-country runs he is usually first home, and has done yeoman service for his club. J. B. Barley, in addition, is an enthusiastic handball player! His election to the captaincy of the club for the second year speaks volumes for the exceeding popularity and esteem in which he is held by his comrades.
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 09/11/1907
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