SA Club Relay Championships

Monday, 24 August 2009

50 teams gathered at Woodhouse Scout Camp on a fine if windy morning, for the 2009 Club Relays organised by the Southern Arrows.

The format was 2-person teams, with each person running twice, and as the courses were fast and the area fairly open, there were many cases of runners finishing before their team mates were quite ready to be handed over to, despite their having been seen at the spectator control, about ¾ of the way round the longer courses. There were also a few people who may not have happened to punch all the controls which were on their course, but at least they didn’t punch any which they weren’t supposed to, having managed to heed the starters’ words (many of which were blown away on the breeze).

3 teams whose members were wearing slightly fancy hats were allowed to jump the gun by the starter. One team was noticeable, not so much for its cowboy hats as the matching vests, which had apparently fit perfectly when the wearers were about 3 years old! This team (the McComb brothers) managed a third place in the Mens’ Open, and to avoid hypothermia.

Waiting for the Mass Start

Group A - (Men’s Open) was won by the father-son combination of Troy and Lee Merchant.
Group B - (M -16 and M 45 - 54) - Riordon Dose and Luke Hazell
Group C - (Women’s Open) was devoid of competitors because they were all helping!
Group D - (M -14 and M55 +) Adrian Uppill and Heinz Leuenberger
Group E - (W -16 and W 45 - 54) Robin Uppil and Teri McComb
Group F - (M Open B) - Helen Mason Fyfe and Robbie Whittaker
Group G - (Women 55 and W-14) - Sally Young and Mel Fuller
Group H - (Women Open B) - Claire Davill and Bec Hatcher
Group I  (M/W 12) was won by Maia von Baumgarten and Dante Afnan, who may have had a little help from their relatives, just ahead of Alana Young and Alex De Oliviera who completed the course unassisted.

The high number of mixed teams – 10 of the 50 – who had to compete by default in mens’ classes, means that next year mixed classes may be offered if there is enough demand. Excellent catering and a raffle was provided by the SA junior squad and schools’ team. Thanks must go to: Woodhouse Scout Camp for allowing us to book the Eastern Amenities at no charge
Wallaringa orienteers for allowing us to use the map without charging copyright, and loaning their equipment trailer.
Bob Smith at Snap Printing for heavily subsidising printing costs
David Nicolson at Paddy Pallin for providing prizes
Lauren Gillis and Stephanie Mason-Fyfe for planning courses
John Nieuwenhoven for vetting and OCAD

 And to all the Arrows who helped in the lead up to the event and on the day, particularly those who came from interstate to help without being able to compete.

For complete Results

Please send any action photos to Robin Uppill.

Jenny Casanova
Organiser/Controller