Although the spectators who endured the inclement weather to watch the Northern Counties Athletic Association Championships at U.G.B. Sports Club at Eccleston, St. Helens, on Saturday to their conclusion were greatly moved by magnificent struggles between Eyre and Parker in the mile and between Aaron and Hesketh in the three miles.
The special thrill for Wallaseyans came with the news that Wallasey Athletic Club's Len Platt had won the hop, step and jump event with his own best ever figure of 44ft. 2¾ins., and taken second place in the long jump with a leap of 20 ft .
This is a notable triumph for Platt, who has only been jumping in senior competition during the last two seasons; he has now received an invitation to take part in the A.A.A. championships in London next month.
Conditions for championship competition between the best athletes in the North of England were far from perfect. A cool breeze and intermittent drizzle, which became a steady downpour, did not conduce to optimum performances; in addition the long jumpers approached the pit on an uphill slope which explains the moderate performances in this, event won at 20ft. 10 ¾ ins. by Olympic hurdler Harry Whittle, Platt has several times jumped over 21 ft.
Ray Owen of W.A.C. also competed in the discus event but again conditions were difficult and it was hard to keep a footing or an adequate grip on the discus.
Wallasey Athletic Club's girl sprinters met with success at Crewe last Saturday in the Cheshire inter-school championships. Margaret Collings won the 100 yards (under 15) and Penny Price the 100 yards.
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 01/07/1950
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