| The 12th annual Lincolnshire Poacher Trophy Series got off to a record start with 77 competitors testing out their current state of fitness and navigation skills. The entry largely comprised a mix of seasoned orienteers returning from the big two day international event near Berwick upon Tweed and a significant contingent from local villages. Recent dry weather and a colder winter produced a fast forest with little vegetation to bother runners. England representative Zac Field from Beverley was first home on the short course but was only 11 seconds clear of the fast running Charlotte Ward from South Cave. Four of the next seven places were occupied by juniors from Caistor Grammar School with Keelby's Sam Offler leading the way from Grasby's Jay Robinson. Long course competitors ventured into the nearby wood of Hendale and sampled newly runnable area that provided interesting route choice. With current Poacher champion Liam Harrington unable to defend his trophy due to work commitments it was left to another LOG member Paul Murgatroyd to score maximum points ahead of Poacher webmaster Martin Kullich and mountain marathon man Andy Higgins with DVO's junior Ben Beresford in a great fourth place in front of some experienced orienteers. Tealby's Pete Harris and Log Series Manager Sean Harrington took the eye as they both clocked up useful points with excellent runs. Next week we return to Elsham accessing the area from the motorway bridge. |