This afternoon Wallasey Athletic Club hold their annual cross-country championships, when an innovation will be the inclusion of a race for boys under 16 years of age.
This race, scheduled to start at 2:30 should prove interesting as most of these boys are in their first year of running and will be anxious to impress with a view to being selected to represent the club in the forthcoming area championships. The youth race (16-18) will follow when Don Anderson, English schools ½ mile champion, is expected to win although the, much improved Roy Parry should push him along in the middle stages of the race. The greatest interest this year centres in the junior race (18-21) where there appears to be a wealth of talent, and anyone of several runners is capable of winning if on form. Experience will probably play its part but the old brigade of Ledward, Maddock and Lynch may be pressed hard by such newcomers as Winrow, Lilley and Bill Johnston.
Bob Johnston is confidently expected to win the nine-mile senior event despite the presence in the field of the holder, Arnold Dinsdale and two former holders in J. Edwards and J. Arkless. Sealed handicapswill be held in conjunction with each race.
On Saturday last Wallasey were defeated by Wirral A.C. at Prenton when English international J. F. Green led the field home over the 5½ mile course. Bob Johnston in 4th place was first man home for Wallasey being followed by Lynch 8th, Clark 10th, Maddock 11th, W.J. Johnston 12th, J. Edwards 13th. A steadily improving runner is Alec Lilley who ran very creditably to finish 14th.
Tomorrow (Sunday) at 3 p.m. the weightlifting section are holding their first novice weightlifting championship. A good entry has been received and more will be welcomed, as this championship has been staged in the hope that new talent will be unearthed.
Applications for membership to assistant secretary to Bob McCaig telephone (Wallasey 8904) or vice captain Bob Johnston, 65 Bell Road.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 12/01/1952
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