Droobers shine through the mist at Blidworth Woods and on the hills of Burton Dassett
Octavian Droobers produced some fine results on a drizzly day at the Robin Hood Trophy, Blidworth Woods near Mansfield, organised by Nottinghamshire Orienteering Club. The Forestry Commission woods, criss-crossed with sandy paths and with little clim
b, produced some fast running times.
Seven first places were won by members with 6 of those from the ladies: Sue Bicknell on the W65L 3.9k course in 46.42mins over 4mins ahead of nearest rival, Sheila Carey W60L 4.7k 40.38mins, Lesley Ross W40 running up to the W21L course in 68.45mins, Helen Elkington W18Short 3.9k course in 51.36mins, Sophie Kirk W18L 7.1k in 51.42mins and new member Elizabeth Davies W14B 3.3k in 45.43mins. John Ward M65L was the club's top man coming 1st in 50.55mins over 5.9k.
Matt Elkington M16A 7.1k was 2nd in 49.14mins as was Chris McCartney M40L 9.8k in 66.23mins on their courses. In third place were Ben Ross M18S 55.17 mins, Robert Brandon M60L 56.14mins, Rachel Emmerson (W14) running up to the W16L course in 40.44mins just ahead of sister Julie Emmerson in 41.45mins, Mel Elkington W45L 85.08mins and Diana Hailey W65S in 51.14mins.
A very misty day with low visibility created an interesting event organised by Mike Hampton up on the Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. The cold and murky day attracted a very good attendance of over 70 competitors. Making his debut was new member Will Critchley (M21), a Canadian international orienteer, who came in 2nd just 8 seconds behind Jules Simpson (M21) 30.10mins with Andy McNally M21 3rd in 38.28mins on the Green 4.1k course.
On the Orange 2.5k course Alex Hedges M14 was 1st in 21.27mins, Ben Tawney M16 2nd in 22.11mins and Penny Oliver W14 23.47mins 3rd. Jennifer Sibley W20 was 1st on the Yellow 1.5k course in 21.16mins, Liam Crossling M14 2nd in 22.27mins and Andy Edwards M50 3rd in 23.41mins.
NEXT EVENT
Octavian Droobers welcome runners and walkers to Oversley Wood on Saturday 27 February 10.30am – 12noon. Come along and try out this adventure sport with a difference. Maps and electronic timing units are supplied, bring a compass if you have one. Families and individuals of all ages 5 – 85 years are welcome to try out short easy and harder longer courses. Ring 01926 632189 or see website www.octavian-droobers.org.
