In cold and wintry conditions, a great weekend of challenging and technical orienteering took place on the Brecon Beacons and at Blaenavon. On Saturday we hosted a Welsh League event and the Yvette Baker Trophy qualification round for the Welsh Clubs on the very challenging and technically difficult Mynydd y Garn area near Ystradfellte. Then on Saturday the club turned out in force for the 2024 Welsh Championships at Pwll Ddu, near Blaenavon.
A big shout out to Bethan, Phil, Gareth and Sarah who between them brave awful conditions on Friday to set out the courses and have things ready for people on the Saturday. As the cloud lifted and hints of sunshine, competitors were treated to some excellent courses, that tested their navigational skills where the use of compass was essential. Well done to all those who completed the courses and to course winners , Ben Mitchell, Mark Saunders, Robin Irwin, Jenni Nellist, Sam Payne and Lucie Morris. Full results here.
Our juniors did us proud and won through to the final of the Yvette Baker Trophy. Well done, Lucie, Sam, James, Robin, Vince and Katie. We came second last year so lets see if we can go one better this year.
Then it was all go on the Sunday for the Welsh Championships at Pwll Ddu. With snow lying on the ground, and blue skies and sunshine the complex ex mine workings site near Blaenavon looked fabulous. Our members did really well and we finished with 8 new Welsh Champions and a further 10 top three finishes. A brilliant achievement all round, so well done to Sam Payne, M12, Robin Irwin M16, Freddie Lake M18, Ben Mitchell M21, Gareth Mansfield M35, Kerina Lake W40 and Margaret Reynolds W60. Full Results here.
We also delighted that club members Kerina Lake received Volunteer of the Year and Robin Irwin received Welsh Orienteer of the year. Just rewards for their work to support and develop the sport and for some outstanding performances as a junior last year. Report.