Nicola Blatchford (Newcastle, pictured) and Michele Dawson (Garingal) have kept NSW on top of the junior women's National League after a tough weekend in round 2 in Victoria.
In a much stronger field than for the opening round sprints in Brisbane, Nicola posted two third placings in the intricate gold mining terrain of Yackandandah and granite of Kangaroo Crossing, near Wangaratta. That lifted her into second on the individual table.
Michele is third overall after a fourth and an 11th placing. Alinta Merrotsy (Northern Tablelands) was consistent with placings of 11th and 9th to sit sixth overall.
In the junior men's section Daniel Hill, Toby Wilson and Aidan Dawson were brought back to earth (after a big weekend in Brisbane), with both days bringing placings from 10-16 for the Garingal trio. That was enough to keep NSW second overall, however.
The Stingers' best effort in Victoria was Dave Meyer (SHOO) coming second on Sunday, after an 8th on Saturday. Josh Blatchford (NC) was 10th and 5th, while Matt Parton had a 14th and a 13th. Leading the comp after Brisbane, the men are equal second, close behind Victoria.
Tracy Marsh (Big Foot, 7th and 6th) was our best senior female. Lucy McGarva (Waggaroos) was 17th on both days.
The OA website has standings: senior and junior; and there are photos on the Stingers Facebook page.
In the non-elites NSW orienteers recorded the following podium placings:
Saturday: 3W Karen Blatchford (NC) 3rd; 4M Ron Junghans (GO) 1st, Jim Merchant (GO) 2nd; 7W Kath Oliver (WR) 3rd.
Sunday: 3M: Nick Dent (CC) 1st; 4M Ron Junghans (GO); 4W Karen Blatchford (NC) 1st.
