Garingal junior Duncan Currie showed his credentials with two third placings on the opening day of the National Orienteering League and Melbourne Sprint Weekend.
A fifth placing in Race 4, after an unfortunate mispunch in the Sunday morning relay, showed Duncan, 17, belongs in junior elite company despite giving away several years of experience to most of his rivals.
Visiting English scholars Peter Hodkinson and Will Gardiner dominated the men's elite M21E, where Aidan Dawson (GO) finished a creditable fifth in very tough company.
Aidan's older sister Michele was also fifth overall, in W21E, in another excellent start to the year.
In the age class competitions, Uringa's Shane Doyle earned a rare victory over Victorian legend Warren Key in M50 and led the division after the weekend, when he had to return to Sydney.
In W60, Central Coast pair Julia Prudhoe and Hilary Wood zigged and zagged for the entire six races before Julia edged out Hilary to claim the title by a solitary point (492-491; with the best five scores counting.)
And Ross Barr (GO) surrendered his M70 crown to local Tony Radford, settling for second. Final standings can be seen here.
Thanks to OV for a terrific weekend of quality venues, maps and organising.
