Club News by Karin Kirk news@octavian-droobers.org
JUNIORS THROUGH TO NATIONAL TEAM FINAL
and CLUB LEADS THE WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE
Hartshill Hayes Country Park, near Nuneaton, was the venue for the West Midlands regional league event organised by Bob Brandon and assisted by many club members. Over 200 competitors from around the midlands enjoyed the fine weather and the variety of courses through the woods planned by David Lawson.
At the event juniors were competing for a place in the national finals of the Yvette Baker competition. Eight Octavian Droober juniors scored a total of 796 points: Luke Cherry 100, Max Straube-Roth 100, Ruben Jeffries 100, Richie Mack 100, Jess Gilder 100, Adam Landels 99, Ching Chiu Tang 99 and Rupert Powell 98 scored these points running on their respective courses. Having qualified they are now looking forward to competing in the final at Irchester Country Park, Northamptonshire, on Sunday 3rd July.
Top runners on courses were: Alistair Landels M50 1st on the Brown course, Kirsten Strain W35 1st on the Blue course in 53.24mins, Luke Cherry M18 winning the Green course in 41.09mins and new club member Richie Mack M14 1st on the Yellow course in 18.07mins. Full results are on www.octavian-droobers.org.
With some great runs by many club members Octavian Droobers now lead the West Midlands league after three events, with 4025 points. Five members have been awarded the maximum 300 points: Philip Ainsley M21, Tom Jeffries M50, Liz Phillips W55, Peter Carey W75 and Sheila Carey W75. Full league results are on www.wmoa.org.uk
The next local event, ideal for newcomers, takes place at War Memorial Park, Coventry, on Saturday 19 March, 11am – 12 noon. For details of how to take part in this fun outdoor active sport, ideal for beginners, runners and families of all ages please see website, www.octavian-droobers.org, email information@octavian-droobers.org or contact Karin Kirk 01926 632189.
WILL GARDNER WINS FIRST BRITISH TITLE
Congratulations to Will Gardner who came first at this weekend’s British Middle Distance Championships. Will has achieved many podium places, is currently ranked 11th British Orienteering male, and is a member of the GB squad but a title has eluded him until now. Will Gardner’s winning time was 30.56mins on the M21 6.3km course.
The championships were organised by East Anglian Orienteering Association and held at Rushmere Country Park on a varied area of heathland and native woodland.
Congratulations also to three other club members who reached the podium: Kirsten Strain 2nd in 37.11mins, 10 secs behind the winner, on the W35 5.1km course, Alistair Landels was 2nd on the M50 5.5km course in 35.35mins and Sue Hallett 3rd in 42.29mins on the 2.5km W75 course. Several club members had some great runs. Full results are on www.britishmiddlechamps.org.uk.
These championships, like all championships, national and regional, are open to all club orienteers from around the country, and uniquely amongst other sports competitors do not have to qualify to take part.
The next local event, ideal for newcomers, takes place at War Memorial Park, Coventry, on Saturday 19 March, 11am – 12 noon. For details of how to take part in this fun outdoor active sport, ideal for beginners, runners and families of all ages please see website, www.octavian-droobers.org, email information@octavian-droobers.org or contact Karin Kirk 01926 632189.