| Poacher 2010 was again fortunate with the British weather. After very heavy rain the previous day the evening was dry although the vegetation was still damp creating elephant tracks in some places slightly favouring the later starters. Paddy Neligan was making his debut as a Poacher planner and he did an excellent job with plenty of controls and changes of direction demanding 100 percent concentration. With 2 events to go the competition for trophies is intense on the Short Course with all 3 categories too close to call and likely to be declared on the final evening. The closest of all is the Short Championship where Caistor Grammar's Sam Offler had a great run finishing over 3 mintues clear of second placed Dave Jolly who is just back from Afghanistan. Beverley's Rosie Field returned to form to be the first lady home in fifth place. Also excelling here was Grasby's Heather Tuck in an encouraging eighth place. The outcome of the competitive categories on the Long course is more clear-cut. Liam Harrington clinched the Lincolnshire Poacher Trophy with another maximum, repeating his win of 2008. The North bank's Helena Crutchley was the leading woman on the Long Course with her best run this year finishing well up in the top half of the field. One of the youngest competitors in Poacher Joe Field was well pleased to win the Newcomers race. A reminder that the end of series Presentation Evening will take place at the New Inn, Great Limber immediately after the final event on June 23rd. Everyone is invited, have a drink and perhaps a meal before the Poacher 2010 Trophies are awarded. |