Herne Hill – Hazy Heat and Humidity

Monday, 13 February 2017

Geelong Street-O   -   Herne Hill – Hazy Heat and Humidity

Our 7^th event of the current series had us back in the inner suburbs with the course set around the site of the old Geelong West Technical College in Herne Hill.

It still operates as a school, nowadays under the banner of Clonard College, an all-girl Catholic school with an excellent reputation. A number of our regular participants are staff members at Clonard.

The old cement works rail line no longer exists, but the sweeping arc of parkland and paths that mark it’s previous path, add colour  and complexity to the street orienteering community.

Numbers were down a little, possibly impacted by the preceding days heat, and certainly for those that did participate the competitive heat was on !!  

 
In A grade, Ron T had a strong run to lead home Tony McR, with Andrew T and Ed S following.

 
Mark C had a break from A grade to run a blinder in B grade. He’d be the first to admit that his navigation sucked but his leg speed got him home in quick time (even with an extra control !!) with Geoff L pleased with his run, coming in next.

Stuart McW had another success in C grade after a tight tussle with Melissa B. They were followed by the grouping of Joanna MacC, Frank E and Isobelle E.

Regular C grade participant, Peter B blew his chances on the night with a slip up in navigation getting to the start line !!

John G had D grade to himself, so took the opportunity to test the legs with a run – the first for many a long week. I’m pleased to report no injuries were sustained !!

Michael H made it 2 out of 2 wins in the walking with a massive 69 points. With Michael as the outlier, the following pack were tightly bunched. Henk K (65 pts) held off Des G and Tom F (both 64 pts) with Carmel B (recovering from injury !!) and Lynda McM (both 63 pts) ensuring the competition for placings was hot.

We now have only 3 events remaining in the series.

This week’s event is particularly significant as it counts as the qualifying event for the Street-O Championships. What does this mean for you ?? If you’re a real competitor and you want to test yourself against the best in the state for your grade of street orienteering, you need to participate in this week’s Geelong Street-O event at Eastern Park, East Geelong.

Winners of our event may then be eligible to participate in the Street-O Championships to be held on Wed 1/3 at Surrey Hills, Melbourne.

Talk to me if you want more information or check out the details here on the orienteering website.
 

As mentioned, this week’s event will be at Eastern Park (the picnic pavilion next to the playground), East Geelong on Thursday 16th Feb with the usual 7pm start.

Cheers

Alan Cooke
0427 777 061