There was some keen competition last Saturday when the N.C.A.A. Junior Championships were decided at Fazakerley.
The all-round performances were very good indeed; in fact three records were broken and some thrilling finishes were witnessed by a large crowd of spectators, including such dignitaries as Lord Derby, and the Lord Mayor (Alderman Luke Hogan). Wallasey athletics were well to the fore, and it is safe to say that no town provided more medallists.
V. R. Tindall (Wallasey Grammar School), after a thrilling finish in the 220 yards, in which he was beaten by inches by J. Brooks, of Bolton, in the fast time of 23.6 secs., rounded off the afternoon by breaking the long jump record with a leap of 21 ft. 6 ins. This it a remarkable effort for a 17-years-old and a fitting reward for the hard training he has put in during the last few months.
J. L. Rennie won the 440 yds, as he pleased and, though the time was not particularly good I have no doubt that he could have clipped off several seconds had the need arisen. This race was not run in lanes and consequently the runners had to rely on their brains as much as their feet. Rennie allowed others to set the pace and only went into the lead 100 yds. from the tape and no one had any chance of catching him. D. K. McFarlane was third in the javelin, only three feet behind the second, and missed third place in the shot and discuss by inches. As a consolation for the latter he qualified for a standard medal in the discus.
A. J. King was third in the high jump and was unlucky not to be placed in the shot. E. B. Jones, A. Simpson and W. D. Kelly also competed, and though they, were not lucky enough to be in the prizes credit must go to them for their efforts. It takes more than the winner to make a race.
Saturday is Seniors' Day at Manchester, but as the programme is not yet published I can give no details. G. K. Williams and B. Kivlin, of Wallasey A.C., will be competing.
Waterloo Harriers' open meeting will be held on Saturday and the majority of local athletes will be competing there.
Next week Liverpool Warehousing Coy's; meeting at Orrell is on Saturday July 6th, and a large local entry is anticipated.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 29/06/1946
Ref 907