Last Saturday was a blank date for most of Wallasey's athletes, only three being engaged in active competition. Barlow, Woolford and Parry, who were representing Cheshire in the inter-counties championships at Epsom Downs.
The Wallasey contingent whilst not finishing as high as one had hoped for still turned in quite satisfactory performances, Woolford and Parry both being in the counters for the Cheshire team finishing in 143rd and 189th positions respectively. Unfortunately, Barlow had to withdraw before the start, still being troubled with an ankle injury which kept him out of the recent Liverpool & District Championships.
A record number of 40 counties entered for the championship, 39 started and 38 finished complete teams. The team race was won by Lancashire for the fifth year in succession and to give them their tenth win since the war, thus equaling the record number of wins set up by Staffordshire.
The individual honours also went to Lancashire in the person of M. Turner the Cambridge University student who runs for the local club Liverpool Harriers, 2nd was Mel Batty of Essex and third was the Somerset runner Eddie Strong. Ron Hill the current Lancashire champion and British 6 mile record holder finished in 4th place. Brendan Deary, winner of the recent Liverpool & District Championships representing Lancashire turned a very creditable performance to finish 32nd and amongst the counters for the Lancashire team.
Today is another free date in Wallasey's cross-country calendar but members should welcome the opportunity for a get-together before the West Lancs Championships which are being held at Blackpool on February 1.
On Sunday, January 26 a small party of members will be traveling to Warrington for the Warrington Club's first winter track meeting which commences at 11:00 a.m.
Anyone interested in joining the club, will be welcome at the club headquarters on Monday or Wednesday evenings between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. or on Saturday afternoons.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 25/01/1964 by STEPTOE
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