2017 State League openers a contrast in terrains

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Last Updated: Monday, 27 March 2017 12:30

A flat campus and a very steep, rocky hillside offered total contrasts in courses as our State League kicked off in Canberra at the weekend.

Combined with the second round of the National Orienteering League, the events drew more than 370 entries from across the country.

Saturday was the ACT Sprint Champs on a new map at Canberra Girls Grammar School. The courses, set by NSW Stinger Dave Meyer, offered fast running in light drizzle. Route choice was not always apparent as there was lots of dark grey, light grey and olive green OOB close together on the map. ONSW runners claimed 17 titles. Our NOL runners did a qualifying bush sprint at nearby Red Hill before the final at the school. Duncan Currie (Garingal) edged out clubmate Toby Wilson by five seconds for third place in the junior men's final. 

Sunday was the ACT Middle Distance Champs at Isaacs Ridge in lovely autumn warmth. This involved an 800m walk to the assembly, then a tough 1km walk with 120m of climb to the top of the ridge. Stunning views and a chance to catch your breath before starting. Steep, wooded hillsides with rocky ground everywhere made for very slow going for most competitors. Nicola Blatchford (Newcastle) and Georgia Jones (Uringa) impressed with fourth placings in the NOL women, while Toby Wilson continued his great form with second in the junior men to be second in the overall standings.

ONSW runners took out 21 titles. Weekend doubles went to W35A Alitia Dougall (Bennelong), W40A Tracy Marsh (Big Foot), W60A Debbie Davey (Waggaroos), W65A Jenny Hawkins (Northern Tablelands), W80A Maureen Ogilvie (UR), WJuniorB Andra Leung (GO), M16A Alvin Craig (NC, pictured), M20A Alex Kennedy (GO), M35A Stephen Craig (NC) and M75A John le Carpentier (Southern Highlands). 

Results and Winsplits are on the ONSW State League page. NOL standings are here. 

We thank our friends at OACT for co-sanctioning the weekend. And a reminder that our next State League weekend is May 13-14 in the Southern Highlands for the NSW Middle and Long Champs. Entries are open in Eventor.