State League 9 - wrap up
State League 9 was run this weekend on the Lone Pine Road map, an area not previously used for orienteering in the Wallaroo State Forest. Mapped originally in late 2009 by Ian Dempsey and Denis Lyons, the work on the area was completed in mid 2010 and provided quite a mapping challenge.
Orienteers used to the rockier and steeper areas to the West would have been surprised with the difference in the terrain in this part of the forest. Although there is an extensive track network resulting from previous forestry work, this is a quiet area with few trail bikes, which avoids the difficulties similar areas face with unmapped trail bike tracks appearing post mapping.
The defining features of this terrain is flat, undulating bush with some rootstocks and native cherry being used to provide detail. The lack of distinctive features provided some challenging routes to controls, and while a few floundered many were excited by the challenge this offered. This event was also a qualification race for the NSW Schools Squad there were some great performances from the youngsters including wins for squad members Aiden Dawson M16A, Matthew Hill M18A, Daniel Hill M14A, Michele Dawson W18A, Nicola Blatchford W16A, and Melissa Annetts W14A.
Patrik Gunnarsson of Garingal shone in M35A winning convincingly in 72:52 as did Linda Sesta of Uringa, who had what she described as a 'perfect run' to win W40A in 64:43. WOC team member Mace Neve finished a useful weekend of racing having won the NSW Sprint on Saturday, by winning Sunday's W21A.
Bjorn Mella looked strong in M50A with a winning margin of just over 8 minutes but Red/Orange "start official", Robert Vincent ran the same 6.8 km course in a staggering 47:10 (EOD) bettering Bjorn's time by a further 6 minutes and setting what looks to be the best minute per kilometer time of the day.
Many thanks to all the Newcastle club members that helped out prior to or on the day, especially those that went out afterwards and collected controls and to Malcom Roberts for entry and SI duties. Mapper/planner Ian Dempsey and controller Geoff Todkill spent many hours in the bush getting ready for this event and I thank and congratulate them on a job well done.
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