A course which includes Bidston Hill cannot be regarded as easy, but Wallasey A.C. took the trail over this for last Saturday's league run, and produced a course thoughly enjoyed by the visiting runners.
Over 100 took part in the mob run, and almost inevitably John Wright, secretary of Wallasey, was first man home. His win by over half-a-minute confirms his position as the outstanding cross-country runner racing regularly on Merseyside this season, and of those who are competing away from their home courses there is, probably, only D. M. Turner, the Liverpool international, capable of defeating him on this form.
There was a surprise second finisher in J. Jackson, the North Staffordshire runner, who was competing in the University colours. Jackson finished an unimpressive 49th in the recent Waterloo Road Race, nearly 2½ minutes behind Wright, who finished seventh and behind another half-dozen local runners to whom he has now shown a clean pair of heels.
John Wright was well supported by his team, Brian Woolford (3), Ken Mather (4), Ron Barlow (7), and W. Morris (13), but then came a long break before B. Chalton arrived a belated 71st. This gave a score of 99 points, high but still good enough to win the scratch team event, for Pembroke were pushed to 106, with Geoff Warriner (6), Ray Billington (11), Frank Wilson (17), Jack Highton (18), K. Beisty (25). and Sam McIver (29).
D. Biddle, the former Port Sunlight A.C. member, was fifth in the race to count first for Wirral A.C., who had J. McAllister (9), B. J. Doyle (21), M. E. Morrell (22), D. Jeffs (24), and M. Cranny (31). Total 112 points for third place. Liverpool Harriers were 4th (131), D. Bell (8), D. Jenkins (10), J. D. Morgan (14), F. J. Menarry (27), A. N. Thompson (33), D. Hobson (39). Liverpool University 5th (160), Warrington A.C. 6th (216), Sutton H. 7th (310), Port Sunlight A.C. 8 (338).
A. Broomfield, who is not without experience and reputation, won the youths' race for Warrington A.C., and a newcomer, R. Vaughan (Boundary H.), was the winner of the boys' event.
The final league fixture will be at Wirral A.C. headquarters, Prenton, next week, when the distance to be covered by the "mob" pack will be seven miles
The Cheshire championships are to be held at the Winnington Park course on January 6. There will be three team races, boys, youths, and seniors, and entries from individual runners, who must, however, have the county qualification of birth or two years' residence in the county, will be accepted. Entries close on December 11, and should be sent to Mr. W. E. Wilde, 24 Pool Bank, Port Sunlight.
Ends
Source - Liverpool Echo - Saturday, 25/11/1961 by J. C. Rice
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