| A perfect spring evening greeted the record entry of over 80 competitors at Mausoleum Woods. With planner Malcolm Humphrey starting the courses from the Southern end of the wood runners were able to sample the area around Mausoleum Hill which has not been used much recently for Poacher as well as being very convenient for the post race analysis at the nearby New Inn. The Long Course is now more competitive than ever, a top ten placing is quite an achievement. With legs 6 and 7 removed from finishing times because of an errant rootstock, it was a second win for LOG's Liam Harrington, the 2008 Poacher Champion who has now extended his lead in the league table. In second place was HALO's Martin Kullich closely followed by England junior Zac Field and Cleavland OK's Paul Thornton. Leading Lady was England junior Charlotte Ward in 9th. Other noticeable performances came from Grasby junior Lewis Tuck who finished in front of several experienced orienteers. In twelve months he has graduated from the newcomers course right through to this level. Hull's Phil Gray had his best run yet in Poacher as did another Grasby junior Jay Robinson just ahead of Super Vet Paddy Neligan. The Short Course was won by 2009 Junior Champion Sam Offler from Keelby with SYO's Jake field in second. Breaking into the top ten were Hull's Peter Robinson who has returned to the Poacher Series after missing 2009 and East Barkwith's Mel Clarke who made up for last week with a solid ninth place. Also moving up the field was former Ladies Champion Dorothy Smith, an encouraging result after recent setbacks. Next week Poacher returns to Nettleton Woods were parking is at Pottertons Alpine Nursery which has won many awards at various flower shows. In order that we do not jeopardise future use of this facility would DRIVERS PLEASE PROCEED SLOWLY down the access track and park carefully at the nursery. Will parents please make sure their children do not enter the nursery or climb over the adjacent rock gardens. There is also a small lake with deep water. |