Bob Gilbert Reports ...
The venue for this years event was in the beautiful
Congewai Valley at the northern end of the Watagan National
Park. We were fortunate to be able to use the “Congewai Golf
Club” for the assembly, camping and hash house areas due to
the cooperation of the land owner Helen Jackson.
A near record number of entries of 173 teams with 427
competitors were received for the event. At the start 76
teams in the 12 hour event and 71 teams in the 6 hour event
set off in clear sunny skies although a cool breeze kept the
temperature on the cool side.
For the first time in a NSW event the electronic Navlight
punching system was used. Apart from a couple of minor
hiccups the system worked exceptionally well with competitors
very pleased with the instant print out of their results as
soon as they reported in at the finish. The print out not
only gave them their points but their split time for each
control visited.
Congratulations to the overall winners of the 12 hour
event, Martin Lefmann and Patrick Mickan with 1530 points
closely followed by Duncan Sinclair and Phillip Whitten on
1520. Matt Cooper and Paul Stein on 1490 finished third.
One of the favoured teams in the 12 hour event was team 22
of Robert Vincent and Shane Trotter. After scoring 1590
points they incurred a 120 point penalty for returning 12
minutes late after having some problems with control 38.
Their final score of 1470 relegated them to fourth and shows
the importance of avoiding the penalty for going overtime.
The 6 hour event was won by Adam Brown, Dick Murray and
Hayden Wallace with 870 points followed on 790 points by
Shane Anderson, Alicson Anderson and Stuart Brown with third
place going to John Anderson, David Dash and Peter Tamsett on
780 points.
Competitors were pleased with the courses and enjoyed the
area which was typical of the Watagan mountains. Once again
the now famous Tea and Damper, provided by the Cardiff
scouts, was an outstanding hit with great views over the
Cessnock area and their usual standard of delicacies for
weary competitors wanting a recharge.
The course provided some challenges especially those teams
who tackled the enticing controls of 70, 71, 73 group.
Once again Di Van Netten and her group of junior
orienteering squad helpers were able to feed the 400
competitors with a menu that satisfied the taste buds and
stomachs of all the competitors.
Special mention goes to those who helped in ensuring the
event ran smoothly and successfully. Bert Van Netten not only
organises the event but this year was the course setter who
ably set challenging courses to suit the range of abilities
of all competitors. Ian Dempsey was responsible for the
production of the map and Neil Chappell for vetting some of
the courses. Bob and Pam Montgomery not only helped out with
vetting but also in the administration area, photographer and
rescue vehicle.
The land owners Helen Jackson , Louise and Stephen
Sweetman who generously allowed us the use of their property
for access and assembly areas.
We would like to acknowledge the support of Lake Macquarie
City Council who allow this event to be included on the Lake
Macquarie Games program and assist with map production,
medals and certificates for awards.
Finally to all the competitors who support this event your
entry and participation allow this event to be a continuing
success.
Hope to see again in 2007
Lost Property
Baseball cap – blue “Royal & Sun Alliance”
1 green gaiter
Camera – Minolta (film)
To claim lost property contact Bob Gilbert (49521967 or
bgilbert@hunterlink.net.au)Enquiries:
For general information about this event, contact ...
Bert van Netten
Phone: 02 4975 3693
Email: van_netten@idl.net.au
For entry related matters contact ... Bob Gilbert
Phone: 02 4952 1967
Fax: 02 4957 6049
Email: bgilbert@hunterlink.net.au
|
