| Poacher 2009 came to a successful end at Swallow Wold Wood, yet another runnable area of The Earl Of Yarborough's estate. Dean Field planning his first Poacher event produced admirable courses utilising the best bits of the wood to test competitor's navigational prowess. Course lengths were a bit longer than usual in order to overcome the large area of farmland in the middle of the wood. With eight of the eleven races to count this year, two trophies had still to be resolved on the night. As Dean was planning the courses and unable to add to his points score it was up to close rival Neil Harvatt to finish at least third. This he did finishing second in a tight finish behind winner Martin Kullich to clinch the Masters title. The junior title race was almost as close with Sam Offler in fifth place clinching the trophy on the night. The 2009 series saw a significant increase in participation over and above the record breaking 2008 with many competitors coming from the immediate area, emphasising the importance of local orienteering. The weather was another plus with virtually every Wednesday dry, not the case in the past. Poacher moved up yet another notch with the use of waterproof maps and even lists of split times in the pub afterwards. All these innovations courtesy of Brian Slater, who once again did a sterling job on registration and RouteGadget. Organisation of Poacher 2010 is now well advanced with most areas and planners in place. Dates for your diary are April 14th, 21st and 28th, May 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th, June 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd. Poacher Champions 2009. Long Course: Paul Murgatroyd; Short Course: Zac Field; Lady Champion: Rosie Field; Junior: Sam Offler; Masters: Neil Harvatt; Super Vet.: Pete Kullich; Ultra Vet.: Pat O'Grady. Thanks to everyone who has helped in way with Poacher 2009 - kite retrievers, registration, dibber hire, planners, results, etc. and particularly all the competitors for turning up. See you on April 14th 2010. Pete Kullich. |